What to expect from Utah’s weather for the 4th of July

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) – Happy Wednesday, Utah! Elevated winds on Wednesday are increasing the risk of wildfire conditions across the state as we head into Independence Day.

Daytime highs are below seasonal norms on Wednesday along the Wasatch Front with mid to upper 80s. In southern Utah, the high heat continues with more triple-digit temperatures. Daytime highs will be roughly 5 degrees above average for St. George with 107 expected with breezy winds remaining.

Winds will remain elevated for southern Utah through midweek with stronger winds through eastern and central Utah this afternoon, possibly into Thursday, thanks to another trailing system passing through.

An increase in winds will lead to critical fire weather conditions today, especially near canyon areas, where fire alerts have been posted.

Red Flag Fire Warnings went into effect today for the San Rafael Swell and South-Central Utah due to fire weather conditions. Portions of northern Utah are now included in the warning as elevated winds are expected. Counties impacted in southern Utah include Grand, Emery, Kane, and Garfield Counties.

All counties in northern Utah are under fire alerts through 9 p.m. Wednesday night. Following a passing cold front, northwest winds up to 35 mph are expected with sustained winds of 10-25 mph. With hot temperatures and dry conditions, critical fire danger will remain until Thursday at 9 p.m. for central and southern zones.

On Independence Day, northern Utah will see high temperatures 5 to 10 degrees below normal, with comfortable mid-70s by evening. Great news for those who plan to be outdoors and soak up a fireworks or drone show.

In contrast, southern and eastern Utah will remain hot and dry, with little change day to day. A strong ridge of high pressure will build and dominate the weather story in the Western United States as we close out the holiday weekend and into next week.

Specifically, from Sunday to Tuesday in St. George highs are expected between 111 and 113+ degrees. No significant precipitation is expected, as moisture is likely to skirt around the high-pressure ridge setting up in the area, impacting areas to the east instead. Stay tuned!

The 4Warn Weather Team will continue to monitor conditions and keep you posted on changing conditions both on our 4Warn Weather app as well as on-air and online, we are Good4Utah!

Recap:

• Close to seasonal temperatures Wed. for Wasatch Front
• Heat builds down south
• Increased fire alerts due to wind
• Trailing front for the midweek
• Pleasant & dry 4th of July for the Wasatch Front
• Very hot 4th of July for St. George
• High pressure this weekend
• Heat builds statewide

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