ST. GEORGE – The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Advisory for the Western two-thirds of Utah. In addition to areas north of Dixie, this advisory specifically affects Utah’s Dixie and Zion National Park, Glen Canyon Recreation Area, Lake Powell, Central and Southern Utah mountains, and more.
This advisory went into effect at 5:30 a.m. today and runs through July 12.
Today and tonight
• The strong high pressure system centered across Southern Utah maintains high temperatures today with many locations exceeding 100 degrees.
• Lingering moisture will allow for showers and thunderstorms to develop across mainly the higher terrain from this morning through early this evening.
• Locally heavy rainfall is possible, which could result in isolated flash flooding in prone areas such as burn scars and slot canyons.
Friday through next Wednesday
• A southerly flow aloft which develops Friday will draw moisture north across the entire region for the upcoming weekend.
• Widespread and at times heavy rainfall will accompany shower and thunderstorm activity through the weekend.
• Flash flooding will become an issue starting friday afternoon then increase over the weekend.
• Flood prone areas of Southern Utah will be the most vulnerable areas to flooding as will the various burn scars created by recent fire
activity throughout the state.
• Cloud cover and precipitation will also bring temperatures down from the record levels of late. Readings across the state will fall to levels near seasonal norms or lower for the weekend.
• Somewhat drier air will begin to work into Utah from the southwest early next week.
• Scattered shower and thunderstorm activity will continue ahead of the drier air across mainly south-central through eastern Utah Monday and Tuesday.
• Lingering showers and thunderstorms
Wednesday will be confined to the extreme southeast portion of the state.
Precautionary/preparedness actions
• Do not drive your vehicle into areas where the water covers the roadway. The water depth may be too great to allow your car to cross safely.
• Do not hike rivers and especially slot canyons while flash flood warnings are in place.
• Do not hike alone and always tell someone where you and your buddy and others are going.
• Drink lots of fluids, especially water.
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Copyright 2012 St. George News.