Thunderstorm Wind in Garfield County, Colorado

As the afternoon moved into evening, convection that had fired over the terrain in northeastern Utah gradually moved into northwest Colorado. Enhanced by a passing shortwave and a modest upper level jet, these showers and storms were capable of producing strong to severe winds, which were only enhanced by dry surface levels. Gusts associated with this event ranged from 45 mph to the peak of 60 mph, which was recorded at the KRIL ASOS at Garfield Regional Airport in Rifle. No reports of damage or injuries were received.

Just enough moisture and instability lingered across the higher terrain of eastern Utah and western Colorado to form showers and thunderstorms. The most intense convection was observed across northeast Utah and northwest Colorado, where a passing weak shortwave and a modest upper level jet provided additional lift and instability. The probability of strong winds was also enhanced by dry surface levels.