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Fire danger is high in southern Utah

Watch out for scattered thunderstorms in northern Utah.

There’s a chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms in northern Utah through the weekend, and the National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for southern Utah on Saturday.

Because of “critical fire weather conditions,” the warning will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. across southwestern Utah — including St. George and Zion National Park — as well as parts of southeastern Utah.

Temperatures are expected to rise into the low to mid-90s in the area, with relative humidity as low as 9%. That, combined with 15-25 mph winds and gusts up to 40 mph, means “any fires that develop could spread rapidly,” according to the NWS. “Outdoor burning is not recommended.”

The dangerous fire conditions could extend into Sunday.

In northern Utah, isolated showers and thunderstorms along the Idaho border on Friday afternoon will become more widespread later in the day, bringing possible gusty winds that could extend into Saturday.

There’s a slight chance thunderstorms in the Salt Lake City area on Saturday afternoon — 30%. That will continue Sunday afternoon (40%) and Monday afternoon (30%).

Temperatures in Salt Lake City will be in the upper 70s and low 80s through Monday, with overnight lows in the mid-50s.