Critical fire danger is forecast for northern Colorado on Monday as abnormal heat continues across the state, but the next wave of winter’s so-far elusive snow will move into the mountains the day after, according to the National Weather Service.

Gusty winds up to 35 mph and relative humidity values as low as 13% will increase fire risk throughout the day on Monday, especially near the Colorado-Wyoming border, according to a hazardous weather outlook from the weather service.

A red flag warning will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday for parts of Larimer and Weld counties, according to a weather service alert. Another red flag warning will be active Monday for southern Colorado, including Teller, Fremont, Pueblo, Huerfano and Las Animas counties.

“Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread,” weather service meteorologists stated in the warning. “Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.”

Record and near-record temperatures are also expected across Colorado on Monday. As of Sunday evening, weather service forecasts included highs of:

• 71 degrees in Denver, just below the current Feb. 9 record of 73 degrees set in 1954. The “normal” daily temperature high for Denver on Feb. 9 is 44 degrees.
• 49 degrees in Breckenridge, nearly 10 degrees above the current record of 40 degrees set in 1908. The town’s “normal” temperature high was not available.
• 68 degrees in Castle Rock in Douglas County, one degree above the current Feb. 9 record of 67 degrees set in 1999. Castle Rock’s “normal” high on Feb. 9 is 46 degrees.
• 70 degrees in Crook on the Eastern Plains, which would tie the current record set in 2000. The “normal” temperature high in Crook on Feb. 9 is 45 degrees.
• 68 degrees in Fort Collins, five degrees below the 73-degree record set in 1954. Fort Collins’ “normal” high on Feb. 9 is 45 degrees.
• 72 degrees in Julesburg on the Eastern Plains, which would tie the record set in 1954. The “normal” temperature high in Julesburg on Feb. 9 is 42 degrees.
• 69 degrees in Lakewood, which would break the 67-degree record set in 2015. The city’s “normal” high is 44 degrees.
• 42 degrees in Winter Park, just below the current record of 44 degrees set in 1945. The town’s “normal” temperature high was not available.