273
FXUS65 KGJT 310434
AFDGJT

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Grand Junction CO
1034 PM MDT Thu Jul 30 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Isolated afternoon showers and thunderstorms are possible in
  the mountains Friday, especially along the Divide.

- Record heat and predominately dry conditions move in for the
  weekend and beyond.

- Thunderstorms will become more scattered early next week in
  the southern mountains.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 1027 PM MDT Thu Jul 30 2026

Models are in good agreement with the high now to our south over New
Mexico continuing to build west into the Desert Southwest tomorrow
into Saturday where it is looking to drop anchor for the next week
and shut off the tap to the deep moisture. That being said look for
some moisture to work its way up under the high into the southern
mountains to keep isolated afternoon showers and thunderstorms in
the forecast through the weekend becoming more scattered by mid next
week. In the short term, residual moisture in the area tomorrow
afternoon will likely spawn a few isolated showers and thunderstorms
over the mountains, especially along the Divide.

As the high builds in to the southwest and the atmosphere dries out
over eastern Utah and Western Colorado, look for temperatures to
climb from about five degrees above normal tomorrow to ten to 15
degrees above normal by early next week. With this heat, we`ve
issued heat advisories and warnings for the lower valleys through
the weekend. If you`ll be out this weekend, be sure to drink plenty
of liquids, take breaks in shaded areas and avoid the hottest part
of the day between 10 AM and 4 PM. These hot temperatures and dry
air will drive the relative humidity down into the mid to low teens,
and with afternoon winds gusting 25 mph in some areas, we`ll see
localized areas of critical fire weather conditions across the
region. It`s just that time of the year when if it`s not
thunderstorms and possible flash flooding, it`s hot and dry fire
weather. Stay tuned for updates.

&&

.AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z SATURDAY/...
Issued at 530 PM MDT Thu Jul 30 2026

Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue
through sunset mainly along and north of I-70 with some gusty
outflow winds and brief heavy rain possible mainly over high
terrain. Low confidence in the lower valleys seeing heavy rain
as the atmosphere continues to become drier. Storms should decay
and dissipate after sunset with a few isolated lingering past
sunset. VFR conditions will prevail overall with drier
conditions expected for Friday.

&&

.GJT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...

CO...Heat Advisory from noon Sunday to 9 PM MDT Monday for COZ006.
UT...Heat Advisory from noon Sunday to 9 PM MDT Monday for UTZ022.
     Heat Advisory from noon to 9 PM MDT Sunday for UTZ024.
     Extreme Heat Warning from noon Saturday to 9 PM MDT Monday for
     UTZ027-029.

&&

$$

DISCUSSION...DB
AVIATION...TGJT