Colorado Springs, Colorado – Fires could ignite and spread rapidly across much of Colorado by midday Thursday as powerful winds and extremely dry air combine to create dangerous wildfire conditions statewide.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Grand Junction and Pueblo, Red Flag Warnings are in effect from late morning through 8 p.m. across both western and southern Colorado. In western zones including the Little Snake and White River areas, northwest winds will reach 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph and humidity dropping to 12 to 17 percent. Farther south and east, including Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and the San Luis Valley, conditions are even more volatile with gusts up to 45 mph and humidity as low as 7 percent.
Communities across I-25, including Pueblo, Trinidad, and Walsenburg, along with rural areas in the Arkansas River Valley and eastern plains, face the highest risk. Dry fuels combined with strong winds could allow fires to spread quickly and unpredictably, especially in open grasslands and foothill regions.
Residents should avoid outdoor burning and any activity that could create sparks, including equipment use during peak wind hours. Secure loose materials and report smoke immediately.
Conditions improve after sunset as winds ease, but elevated fire danger may continue into Friday. Additional warnings are possible if dry and windy conditions persist.
