Colorado wakes to dry air, whipping winds, and a landscape primed to burn. Grass bends sharply, dust lifts easily, and any spark feels dangerous under the morning sky.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the western Denver metro and southern Front Range foothills from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. today. Conditions align for critical fire weather as strong winds combine with extremely low humidity.
Wind gusts increase quickly this morning, reaching 30 to 50 mph through midday and afternoon. At the same time, relative humidity drops to 11–18 percent, drying vegetation even further. These conditions allow fires to ignite easily and spread rapidly, especially in open grasslands and foothill communities.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Activities that create sparks — welding, grinding, dragging chains, or careless disposal of cigarettes — could trigger fast-moving fires. To be fair, even routine outdoor work can become hazardous under Red Flag conditions.
Travelers may also notice difficult driving, particularly on east-west roads and exposed highways. High-profile vehicles could struggle with sudden gusts, and blowing dust may briefly reduce visibility.
Conditions slowly improve later today. Winds begin to ease after sunset, and fire danger diminishes heading into the evening. Still, dry fuels remain, and caution should continue even after the warning expires.
Looking ahead, Wednesday brings calmer winds and slightly higher humidity, offering temporary relief. However, winter moisture remains limited, and fire weather concerns can reappear quickly during future warm and windy stretches.
Colorado’s winter may be quiet, but fire season never fully disappears along the Front Range.
