Pueblo, Colorado – A dangerous window for fast-moving wildfires will develop by noon Monday across southern Colorado, where powerful wind gusts and critically low humidity could allow fires to ignite and spread within minutes.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday for the southern Front Range, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, San Luis Valley, and areas including Walsenburg, Trinidad, Alamosa, and La Veta Pass. Winds will range from 15 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph, creating rapid fire growth potential.
Humidity levels will drop as low as 11 to 13 percent, drying grasses and brush to highly flammable levels. This combination significantly increases the risk of erratic fire behavior, especially in open terrain and along mountain passes where winds accelerate.
Communities along U.S. Highway 160, I-25 near Trinidad and Walsenburg, and rural valley roads face heightened risk if a fire starts. Emergency officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning, secure trailer chains, and delay any activity that could create sparks.
The most critical period will stretch through early evening Monday, and additional fire weather alerts may follow if dry and windy conditions persist.
