Parts of Utah will be ‘dangerously hot’ this weekend

The National Weather Service has issued heat warnings for much of southern Utah this weekend — along with a fire weather watch in some areas.

In the northern part of the state, temperatures are expected to be in record-high territory before plummeting on Monday.

An excessive heat warning will be in effect until 9 p.m. Sunday in lower Washington County, including the cities of St. George, Hurricane and Ivins. Temperatures will be “dangerously hot” for this time of year, according to the National Weather Service — 10-12 degrees above normal, with afternoon highs of 104-107.

Temperatures of 100-105 are expected in southeastern Utah — an area that includes Capitol Reef National Park and Glen Canyon Recreation Area/Lake Powell.

The heat will increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working outside or participating in outdoor activities. Utahns are urged to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned areas if possible, stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors. Children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles.

The National Weather Service has also issued a fire weather watch for southern Utah — an area that includes Zion, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef national parks — from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday.

In addition to high temperatures, southwest winds of 20-30 mph with gusts of more than 40 mph are expected, along with low humidity. “Any new fire starts or existing fires may spread rapidly,” according to the weather service.

On Friday, the Dalton Wash Fire a few miles east of Virgin had burned about 600 acres, sparked by a vehicle rollover. It was 0% contained as of Friday afternoon as crews continued to attack it.

Southern Utah will get some relief on Monday and Tuesday, when temperatures will drop back to the low to mid-90s, but expect a return to the upper 90s and low triple digits by the middle of next week.

It’s also going to be hot in northern Utah. A high of 98 is expected on Saturday in Salt Lake City, which would tie the all-time record for June 11 set way back in 1918.

Normal highs for this time of year are in the low 80s.

After an expected high of 96 on Sunday, a cold front will move in that night. By Monday morning, temperatures will fall as much as 30-40 degrees from Sunday’s highs, and Monday and Tuesday’s highs will be in the upper 60s and low 70s — 10-15 degrees below normal.

There’s a 50% chance of rain on Monday, with a slight chance of more precipitation Monday night and Tuesday morning.

Skies will clear and temperatures will rise to the low to mid-80s on Wednesday and the low to mid-90s on Thursday.