UPDATE 12:58 p.m. – The National Weather Service has upgraded this alert at 12:54 p.m. today to a “Red Flag Warning,” meaning critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. The “Red Flag Warning” is in effect for all three fire zones indicated until 9 p.m. tonight. The “Fire Weather Watch” remains in effect Friday and Saturday as reported below.
SOUTHERN UTAH – The National Weather Service has issued a “Fire Weather Watch” for the Color Country west desert, central Utah west desert and Salt Lake desert, in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening, due to wind and low relative humidity.
Affected area: Fire Weather Zones: 478 – Salt Lake Desert south of Interstate 80; 492 – central Utah west desert; and 495 – Color Country west desert; (see map insert).
Winds: South to southwest winds of 10-20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.
Relative Humidity: As low as 8 percent.
Impacts: Gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels may combine to create hazardous weather conditions.
Precautionary / preparedness actions: A “Fire Weather Watch” means that there is a potential for critical fire weather conditions. Continue to monitor for the latest forecasts and possible “Red Flag Warning.”
A “Red Flag Warning” means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
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