Some evening thunderstorms on Sunday could provide some relief to what is expected to be a hot holiday weekend.
On Friday, there is a 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Skies are expected to be mostly sunny, with a high near 91 and winds at 5 to 10 mph. Friday night holds a 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m., with an overnight low around 56.
The Independence Day forecast is shaping up to be sunny and hot, with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms to cool things off after 1 p.m. The chance for thunderstorms carries into the evening, and overnight lows are slated to be around 56.
While Sunday is expected to get off to a sunny start, forecasters expect some rain to move in during the afternoon.
“Probability of showers and thunderstorms is 10 percent at lower elevations and 30 to 40 percent in the mountains Friday and Saturday. Then there should be an uptick in thunderstorm activity by Sunday afternoon and evening. There should be an uptick in thunderstorm activity by Sunday afternoon and evening,” said Jim Pringle, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Junction.
The month of June, in terms of temperatures, saw the mercury rise quite a bit, but Pringle says no temps were record-breaking.
“Although the last couple of weeks in June have been unseasonably warm by 5 to 10 degrees, depending on the day, there were no high temperature records broken at the official cooperative observation site for Cortez,” he said.
Beers and barbecue go hand in hand for many on Fourth of July, and Colorado State Patrol is reminding anyone with plans to hit the road this weekend to indulge responsibly as troopers step up DUI enforcement.
“Many of our troopers will be sacrificing their holiday weekend to keep our residents and visitors safe, and will be on the lookout for impaired drivers,” said Col. Scott Hernandez, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “We have zero tolerance for impaired driving and hope everyone makes good decisions. It’s very simple – don’t get behind the wheel if you’re impaired.”
Rico July 4th Weekend Celebration
Schedule of events
Friday, July 3
9 a.m.-5 p.m.: Rico Fire Protection District Duck Race tickets and merchandise on sale at Rico Firehouse; Women’s Craft Club Bake Sale at Rico Elementary.
10 a.m.: Women’s Club Bake Sale at Rico Firehouse
12 p.m.: Music in Town Park, Knight Groove featuring Mahlon Knight.
Saturday July 4
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Rico Fire Protection District Duck Race tickets and merchandise on sale at Rico Firehouse
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Women’s Club Craft Sale at Rico Elementary
11 a.m.: Rico Fourth of July Parade, music performance by the Four Corners Community Band
3 p.m.: Rico Duck Race at the Piedmont Bridge
4 p.m.: Community Sing-along followed by ice cream social at Rico Community Church
9 p.m.: Rico Fire Department fireworks display
Sunday July 5:
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Rico Women’s Club Craft Sale at Rico Elementary
12 p.m.: Old Timers’ Picnic at downvalley field. Firemen will dish up Fire Chief Todd Jones’ barbecue. Bring a side dish, salad or desert. Softball games after the picnic.
Weekend events
July 3
Fireworks display at the Ute Mountain Casino, Towaoc. Starts at dusk. 565-8800.
July 4
6 a.m.: Cortez Burst Triathlon, City Park Cortez, Registration opens at 6 a.m., race starts at 7 a.m.
9 p.m.: Fireworks at Parque de Vida, Cortez, 9 p.m., 565-3414.
9 p.m.: Fireworks at Boyle Park, Mancos. 533-7434.
July 5
Gary Allegretto at the Sunflower Theatre, Cortez, Show starts at 4:30 p.m. Harmonica workshops start at 6 p.m.
