Pueblo, Colorado – Wildfire conditions will turn extreme by 10 a.m. Thursday across southern and eastern Colorado as wind gusts up to 50 mph combine with humidity levels as low as 5 percent, creating the potential for fast-moving, destructive grassfires through early evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday for nearly all of southern Colorado, including Fremont County, the San Luis Valley, El Paso County, Pueblo County, Las Animas County, Baca County and Prowers County. Southwest winds will sustain at 20 to 30 mph, with peak gusts reaching 50 mph during the afternoon.
The strongest winds are expected along the Interstate 25 corridor from Colorado Springs to Trinidad, as well as across the open plains near Lamar, La Junta and Springfield. Dry grasses across the Arkansas Valley and Eastern Comanche Grasslands could ignite quickly and spread uncontrollably under these conditions.
Residents should avoid outdoor burning, postpone welding or grinding, and secure trailer chains to prevent roadside sparks. Fire agencies across the region are on high alert.
The warning expires at 7 p.m. Thursday, but additional fire weather alerts may be issued if critical conditions continue into Friday.
