Heavy winds expected in Utah, fire weather watch in place
Aug 22, 2024, 1:00 PM
FILE: Wind whips up flames as a grass fire burns trees and brush along the Jordan River at 8700 south and 700 west in Sandy on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018. (Steve Griffin, Deseret News)
(Steve Griffin, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah has high fire potential today and tomorrow, spurring a “fire weather watch.” National Weather Service meteorologist Michael Wessler said high winds will be the biggest issue.
He said the current conditions of high winds and low humidity make it prime for fires both today and Friday.
“Winds will be 30 to 45 mph, perhaps as high as 58 mph especially in Box Elder County and some of the Raft River Mountains to the northwest,” said Wessler.
A combination of south winds gusting to 45 mph and relative humidity in the single digits will bring critical fire weather conditions to much of Utah Friday. #utwx pic.twitter.com/tSd05ONgHk
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) August 21, 2024
According to Wessler, the humidity levels will be especially low over the next couple of days. Combined with our dry grass and high winds, even small sparks could get out of control quickly.
“Friday remains a period of concern where we will see strong winds, low relative humidity and near critical fuels,” he said.
Wessler asked people to be mindful of campfires, cigarette butts and even vehicle chains sparking on the roads.
The fire weather watch is in place through Friday for the Salt Lake Desert, Color Country and West Desert.
Wessler emphasized, “[Just] how significant we’re expecting those winds to be on Friday. ”
