Red Flag Warning Issued for Utah: Critical Fire Weather Conditions Expected

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The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, Utah, has issued a Red Flag Warning for several regions across the state, effective from 10 AM MDT today until 10 PM MDT on Sunday, July 27, 2024. This warning highlights the critical fire weather conditions anticipated over the weekend, which pose a significant risk of rapidly spreading fires.

Affected Areas:

The Red Flag Warning covers the following Fire Weather Zones in Utah:

• Zone 482: Western Uintah Basin
• Zone 483: Southern Ashley National Forest
• Zone 484: Tavaputs Plateau
• Zone 488: Manti National Forest
• Zone 489: San Rafael Swell
• Zone 492: Central Utah West Desert
• Zone 493: Central Utah Mountains
• Zone 494: Henry Mountains
• Zone 495: Color Country West Desert
• Zone 496: Color Country Mountains
• Zone 497: Mojave Desert
• Zone 498: Grand Staircase

Weather Conditions:

• Winds: On Saturday, southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph are expected. On Sunday, winds will decrease slightly to 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Winds are forecasted to diminish Saturday night before picking up again early Sunday afternoon.
• Humidity: Relative humidity levels will be critically low, ranging from 6% to 15%.

Potential Impacts:

The combination of strong winds, low humidity, and dry fuels creates a heightened risk for new fire ignitions and rapid spread of existing fires. These conditions can lead to extreme fire behavior, posing a significant threat to safety and property.

Precautionary Measures: The public is urged to take all necessary precautions, including avoiding any activities that could spark a fire. Residents should stay informed of local fire restrictions and be prepared to act quickly in the event of a fire. It's crucial to have an emergency plan and to stay updated through reliable sources.

For more information and updates, visit the National Weather Service Salt Lake City's website.