Grand Junction residents planning to attend the Grand Junction Airshow this weekend, October 3-4, can expect sunny skies and warm temperatures. The airshow is scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM on both Saturday and Sunday, with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels expected to perform around 2:30 PM each day.
Forecasts indicate that morning temperatures around 10:30 AM will be in the upper 60s, warming to the lower 80s by 2:30 PM. While a few clouds may be present, the days are predicted to be dominated by warm sunshine. Attendees are advised to bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, and to stay hydrated and eat well throughout the event.
Friday's weather in Grand Junction is also expected to be sunny. Temperatures will warm from the low-to-mid 50s around 7 AM to the upper 60s and lower 70s by noon, reaching the upper 70s and lower 80s by 4 PM. High temperatures in the Grand Junction area are projected to be near 82 degrees. Other Western Slope communities will see highs around 77 degrees in Montrose, 81 degrees in Delta, and 76 degrees in Cortez. Low temperatures Friday morning will be near 53 degrees in Grand Junction, 47 degrees in Montrose, 48 degrees in Delta, and 44 degrees in Cortez.
The weekly Drought Monitor update, released on Thursday, October 1, showed a noticeable improvement in conditions. However, the update also emphasized that this is a small improvement from a historic drought, and the situation remains serious, not having gone away. Further improvement may be included in next week's update, as this week's rain was not factored into the latest release.
September saw significant rainfall across parts of the Western Slope, contributing to some positive changes. Grand Junction recorded 1.58 inches of rain for September, which is 0.39 inches above normal for the month. This made it the third rainiest September in the last ten years and the 27th rainiest since 1893 for Grand Junction. Montrose measured 3.01 inches of rain in September, 1.89 inches above normal. Cortez received 4.40 inches (2.46 inches above normal), Durango saw 6.20 inches (4.21 inches above normal), and Rifle reported 1.97 inches (0.63 inches above normal).
Despite the improved September rainfall, year-to-date precipitation totals show the region is still mostly below normal. Since January 1, Grand Junction has received 4.16 inches of rain, which is 2.70 inches below its normal year-to-date total. Montrose, however, is up to 6.62 inches (0.34 inches above normal). Cortez is at 8.44 inches (0.57 inches below normal), Durango at 10.83 inches (0.73 inches above normal), and Rifle at 7.67 inches (0.59 inches below normal).
