Pueblo, CO – Outdoor burning and any spark-producing activity could ignite fast-moving wildfires by late morning as wind gusts up to 60 mph combine with humidity as low as 10 percent across southern Colorado.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday for El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano, Las Animas, Teller and Fremont counties. A second, more intense Red Flag Warning takes effect at 10 a.m. Tuesday and continues until 7 p.m. Tuesday for much of southern and southeastern Colorado, including Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Walsenburg, Trinidad, La Junta, Lamar and Springfield.
Winds today will range from 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. On Tuesday, southwest winds will increase to 30 to 40 mph with gusts reaching 60 mph across the plains and I-25 corridor. Dry grasses and dormant fuels will allow any fire to spread rapidly and erratically.
Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning, properly dispose of cigarettes and secure trailer chains to prevent sparks. Fire crews remain on alert as conditions peak Tuesday afternoon. Additional fire weather highlights are possible if winds strengthen beyond current projections.
