Concerns for flash flooding remain over southern Utah this weekend, temperatures remain very hot

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — Happy Friday, Utah! It’s a case of the wash, rinse, and repeat weather cycle for today as moisture remains over the state and afternoon showers and thunderstorms remain in mix.

Additional storms for southern Utah is elevating the flash flood risk today and includes a “probable risk” for some popular spots like Capitol Reef, Glen Canyon, Grand Staircase, and Canyonlands National Park. 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. By Saturday, drier air will move into northern Utah, shifting the highest chance of storms south of I-70.

In terms of heat, temperatures will remain very hot with 5-8 degree above-average highs for southern Utah over the weekend, 3-5 degrees above normal up north. This puts temperatures in the upper 90s, or low 100s, along the Wasatch Front over the weekend and into next week. 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 109-111°. The latest guidance has brought temperatures down just a touch, there’s a chance the watch could be cancelled this afternoon. Stay tuned.

Daily showers and thunderstorms will continue, with hot temperatures and light winds throughout next week. The northern parts of Utah will see less rain, while the central and southern parts will have higher chances of precipitation next week. Storms could bring gusty winds over 40 mph, heavy rain, and flash flooding, especially towards the end of next week as models suggest another influx of moisture. The increase in moisture will be due to the ridge shifting further east, scooping up more monsoonal moisture into the state.

Bottom line?! Monsoonal showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast through the weekend for southern Utah while drier air will move in up north.

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

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