Critical fire weather conditions are forecasted for southern Utah, while excessive heat is expected to persist through the weekend in the northwest.

National Weather Service authorities said that increased moisture moving through southern Utah will pose a risk of scattered, dry thunderstorms and strong winds Friday afternoon and evening.

“This will bring favorable conditions for new fire starts,” weather officials noted.

In northwestern Utah, a Heat Advisory was issued for 10 a.m. Friday through 9 p.m. Saturday, with temperatures expected to reach 102F.

The areas under this Advisory include most northern and central Utah valleys, including the Wasatch Front, the Tooele Valley, Cache Valley, eastern Box Elder County, eastern Millard and Juab Counties, the Sanpete and Sevier Valleys, Castle Country, and the western Uinta Basin.

During the forecasted period, residents are advised to stay out of the sun and stay inside as much as possible, limiting strenuous outdoor activities to the early morning and evening hours.

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