Increasing showers and thunderstorms statewide Thursday afternoon, temperatures remain very hot

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — Hey there, Utah! Increasing moisture across the state today will lead to a higher risk of flash flooding in southern Utah.

A “probable risk” now exists for Zion National Park, the San Rafael Swell, Lake Powell and Grand Staircase. Other popular spots in South Central Utah have a possible risk, but either way, it’s not safe to be in low-lying areas like slot canyons on a day like today. Temperatures remain above average statewide with most areas trending 5 degrees above average.

High pressure remains the main player in our weather story, with the ridge slowly shifting westward into Friday. As such, Friday will likely see similar conditions to today, with the flash flood threat continuing over southern Utah. The chance of daily showers and thunderstorms across southern Utah will continue through the weekend with drier air slowly moving into northern Utah. The main concerns with thunderstorms over southern Utah continue to be lightning, gusty winds and potential flash flooding.

Daytime highs will continue to trend roughly 5 degrees above seasonal averages. Little changes to the weather pattern are expected early next week. Daytime highs will remain above average over the weekend and into early next week, with triple-digit heat persisting. Lower Washington County will feel the brunt of this excessive heat, with St. George potentially seeing lows around 80°, which has led to an excessive heat watch issued for that area Saturday morning through Sunday evening. Daytime highs will likely reach up to 111°, roughly 10 degrees above seasonal averages. This watch will likely evolve into a warning and could be expanded to include other parts of Southern Utah. Stay tuned!

Bottom line?! A surge of moisture around our high-pressure ridge will bring more isolated to scattered showers to the state Thursday, increasing flash flood potential in southern Utah.

We’ll give you the latest updates in our 4Warn Weather forecast both on-air and online, we are Good4Utah!

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