GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) – Thursday and Friday have been declared First Alert Weather Days as wildfire danger climbs across the region. Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches are in effect due to conditions that could spark and rapidly spread fires.
Red Flag Warnings
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Wednesday: In effect until 8 PM for Grand Mesa (northeastern Mesa County), eastern Garfield County, eastern Rio Blanco County, and Routt County.
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Thursday: From noon to 10 PM for all of Western Colorado west of the I-25 Urban Corridor, including the Western Slope, mountains, and eastern Utah.
Fire Weather Watch
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Friday: From noon to 10 PM for all of Western Colorado west of I-25 and all of eastern Utah. This watch will likely be upgraded to a Red Flag Warning.
Why the Risk Is Rising
The main threat isn’t widespread high winds, but dry thunderstorms. Lightning strikes in parched areas can ignite new fires, while localized storm gusts can quickly spread flames. Even though rainfall is possible, it will be too light to have a meaningful effect on large fires.
Lightning can strike up to 10–12 miles away from a storm, so the risk extends well beyond the immediate storm zone.
Air Quality Concerns
An Air Quality Health Advisory is in effect until 9 AM Thursday for much of Western Colorado, including Mesa, Montrose, Delta, Garfield, Rio Blanco, Routt, Montezuma, Dolores, San Miguel, Gunnison, and Eagle counties. Smoke from wildfires will cause unhealthy air at times, especially overnight and in the mornings.
Short-Term Forecast
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Tonight: Mostly clear, warm evening cooling from the mid-to-upper 90s to the upper 70s/lower 80s by 10 PM. Overnight lows: 68°F (Grand Junction), 62°F (Montrose), 53°F (Cortez), 67°F (Moab).
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Thursday: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy with isolated mountain showers and storms. Highs: 98°F (Grand Junction), 93°F (Montrose), 99°F (Delta), 95°F (Cortez), 99°F (Moab).
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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