Pueblo, CO – Critical fire weather conditions are expected to develop Monday across south central and southeast Colorado, with dangerous wildfire risk building through the daytime hours.
According to the US National Weather Service in Pueblo, a Fire Weather Watch is in effect for Monday, March 30, 2026, as warm temperatures combine with increasing southwest winds. Sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph are expected, with gusts reaching up to 35 mph, especially during the afternoon.
Humidity levels are forecast to drop as low as 10 percent, creating ideal conditions for fires to ignite and spread rapidly. Areas impacted include Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Trinidad, and surrounding communities across Pueblo County, El Paso County, and Las Animas County.
Travel along major routes including Interstate 25 and Highway 50 could be impacted if fires develop, with potential for reduced visibility and emergency response activity.
Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning and use extreme caution with equipment or vehicles that could create sparks. Even small ignitions may quickly become uncontrollable under these conditions.
This marks an early-season return of critical fire weather across southern Colorado as dry and windy patterns take hold.
