Fourth of July weekend weather conditions ripe for fires
Jul 1, 2022, 3:30 PM | Updated: 3:32 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — Red flag warnings are in effect for the western half of the state starting midday Saturday through Monday, according to the National Weather Service of Salt Lake City.
Strong, gusty south winds coupled with Utah’s dry conditions are a perfect recipe for fires to spread out of control quickly.
⚠️ Red Flag Warnings in effect
🗺 western Utah
🧭Saturday through Monday
❓ Gusty southerly winds combined with very low humidity will create critical fire weather conditions.Many fires are human caused. Follow local fire and firework restrictions! #utwx pic.twitter.com/tsuRD7hmhl
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) July 1, 2022
“We should see gusts just a little bit over 30 miles per hour in areas,” said Weather Service Meteorologist Glen Merill. “[The winds are] especially focused in the western valley areas across Utah south of I-80.”
Sunday and Monday, Merill said, the winds will get stronger.
“We could see local gusts approaching 45 miles per hour.
Merill said with lots of people out celebrating for the 4th of July, it’s especially important for people to be vigilant this weekend with any type of spark.
Related stories
- Provo fire department sends out reminder about July fireworks
- ‘Utah is a tinderbox.’ State fire leaders urge caution ahead of firework sales
- Strong winds cause power outages around Utah
- I-80 facing restrictions due to strong wind gusts
- Strong winds move across northern Utah, causes problems for inbound flights to SLC