Warm temperatures will give way to heavy winds that could spike wildfire danger across much of the state Friday, according to the National Weather Service Office in Boulder.
A red flag fire danger warning will be in in effect from the foothills, across the southern Front Range and the Eastern Plains along and south of the Interstate 70 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the weather service said.
Sustained westerly winds of up to 30 mph will have gusts reaching 40 mph.
With extremely low humidity after days of sunshine and warmth, dry brush and grass could be kindling for a wildfire, according to the forecast.
The high Thursday in Denver reached 68 degrees. Pueblo had the warmest temperature in the state at 73. Gunnison had the lowest reading at minus-9, according to the Weather Service.
Denver’s high Saturday is expected to be in the mid-50s, but a cool down to the 20s Saturday night provides a 30 percent chance of snow after 10 p.m.
There also is a 30 percent chance of snow Sunday before 11 a.m. The afternoon high is expected to be 43 degrees.
Meanwhile, in the mountains, the ski resorts have a great chance to pick up more snow.
The high Friday in Silverthorne is expected to reach only 35, providing a good chance of up to three inches of new snow Friday night.
There is a 50 percent chance of snow Saturday and an 80 percent chance on Sunday in the central mountains.
On the Eastern Plains, there’s a chance for snow Saturday night through Tuesday night, and temperatures are forecast to be cooler and seasonable, the weather service said.
