Pueblo, CO – Fires could ignite and spread aggressively across southern Colorado by late Saturday morning as extreme heat, dry air, and strong winds align across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday for a large portion of southern Colorado, including Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Canon City, Trinidad, and the San Luis Valley. Relative humidity will drop between 5 and 10 percent while temperatures climb into the 80s and 90s, with some areas like Baca County nearing 98°F. West winds will increase to 15 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph.
The highest fire risk will stretch along the Interstate 25 corridor and into mountain valleys, including the Sangre de Cristo range and Rampart Range near Pikes Peak. Dry grasses and warm temperatures will allow fires to start easily and spread erratically, especially in open terrain and near rural communities.
Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning, delay the use of equipment that may spark, and remain alert for rapidly changing fire conditions. Even a small ignition could escalate quickly under these conditions.
The warning remains in effect through Saturday night, with conditions expected to ease later in the evening as winds weaken and humidity slowly improves.
