Colorado weather: Up to 85 mph winds, fire danger forecast for Front Range
“Critical fire weather” is forecast for parts of the Front Range and Eastern Plains on Tuesday as heavy snow falls in the mountains, according to the National Weather Service.
A red flag warning will be in effect for the Front Range and metro Denver — including parts of Larimer, Weld, Jefferson, Broomfield, Douglas, Denver, Adams and Arapahoe counties — from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, according to the weather service.
“Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread,” the warning stated. “Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.”
Sustained winds of 25 mph and wind gusts up to 45 mph are expected throughout the day, forecasters said in the warning. Humidity values as low as 11% are forecast.
In the Front Range mountains and foothills, damaging wind gusts up to 85 mph will be possible, according to a high wind warning from the weather service. That warning will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday.
The wind will blow around unsecured objects and may cause power outages, forecasters said. Travel will be difficult for high-profile vehicles.
Strong winds may return on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, according to the weather service. As of Tuesday morning, no other high wind warnings had been issued.
The southern Interstate 25 corridor and the southeastern plains will also be under a red flag warning for fire danger on Tuesday, according to the weather service. The area includes Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Walsenburg and La Junta.
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