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

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — Happy weekend, Utah! It’s a similar forecast this weekend to what we have seen through the workweek, with elevated moisture remaining over southern Utah and afternoon showers and thunderstorms remaining a possibility, especially in the higher terrain.

Drier air moves into northern Utah, so the best chance for storms today shifts to south of I-70. Our flash flood risk lingers into the weekend and today includes a “probable risk” for some popular spots like Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Glen Canyon 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.

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°. While no heat alerts are in effect, we have seen several instances of a spike in heat-related illnesses and several heat-related deaths during this prolonged heat wave, so please use caution outdoors during the heat of the day. 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? Monsoon showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast through the weekend for southern Utah while drier air will moves 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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