A flash flood watch has been issued for parts of Utah from noon to midnight on Friday — and rain is expected across much of the state through the weekend.
Thunderstorms that could drop heavy rain will develop late Friday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service, moving from southeast to northwest. And that rain may result in flash flooding, particularly in dry washes, slot canyons, slot canyons, small streams and urban areas.
The affected area includes south central Utah, lower Washington County southwest Utah, Zion National Park and Cedar City, which was hit with flooding on Monday when 2 inches of rain fell in about an hour. There’s an 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms in Cedar City on Friday afternoon, with more rain expected there Friday night (60% chance), Saturday (70% in the afternoon, 40% overnight) and Sunday (20% in the morning, 70% in the afternoon, 40% overnight). The sun will return on Monday morning — but there’s a 30% chance of more rain on Monday afternoon.
Flash flooding is probable on Friday in Bryce Canyon, Zion, Glen Canyon and Grand Staircase-Escalanate, and it’s possible in Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Natural Bridges, Grand Gulch, and San Rafael Swell. On Saturday, it’s probable in Zion and possible in the other parks.
According to the NWS, a moist airmass will remain in place over Utah through the weekend. Thunderstorms, heavy rain and gusty winds are expected across much of the state.
After morning rain in Salt Lake City, there’s a 60% chance of thunderstorms Friday afternoon and evening, a 50% chance on Saturday afternoon, an 80% chance on Sunday afternoon, and a 60% chance on Sunday night and Monday afternoon. Temperatures will trend down a bit, from a high of 90 on Friday to 89 on Saturday, 88 on Sunday and 83 on Monday.
In St. George — which is also under the flood watch until midnight on Friday — there’s a 60% of thunderstorms in the afternoon and 50% overnight, and a 40% chance of more rain on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The forecast calls for high temperatures in the mid-90s through Sunday, 98 on Monday and back into the triple digits on Tuesday.