Critical fire danger will return across Colorado on Tuesday as temperatures climb, humidity drops and winds strengthen, according to the National Weather Service.
As of Tuesday morning, had been issued by the weather service for parts of Adams, Arapahoe, Bent, Broomfield, Crowley, Douglas, Denver, Elbert, Fremont, Huerfano, Las Animas, Lincoln, Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Pueblo, Sedwick, Washington and Weld counties.
Red flag warnings were also issued for the San Luis Valley, Gunnison Basin, North Fork Valley and San Juan Valley.
Most of the warnings will be in effect from noon to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, according to the weather service. Wind gusts ranging from 35 mph to 50 mph and humidity as low as 6% to 13% will be possible during that time, forecasters said.
“Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread in areas that did not receive significant rainfall on Monday,” forecasters wrote in one warning. “Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.”
“Fires will catch and spread rapidly and erratically,” forecasters wrote in another.
Denver, which is included in the red flag warnings, will also see near-record temperatures on Tuesday, . Afternoon highs in the city are expected to peak around 93 degrees, just short of Denver’s 95-degree record for June 9, .
“Today will be hot with temperatures reaching the 90s across the plains,” . “Critical fire weather conditions, isolated severe storms, and isolated gusty winds up to 60 mph are all possible.”
Some towns on the Eastern Plains, including Wray and Laird near the Kansas border, are expected to hit 100 degrees on Tuesday, according to a map from the weather service.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
