Colorado Springs, CO – A shift to dry and windy conditions will elevate the fire danger across southern Colorado on Wednesday before a significant heat wave arrives for the Juneteenth holiday and the coming weekend.
Residents from the I-25 corridor to the eastern plains face a heightened risk of fire starts. According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, spotty critical fire weather conditions are possible Wednesday due to a combination of dry fuels, low humidity, and breezy winds. These conditions mean any new fires could spread rapidly. Officials urge caution with any outdoor activities that could create a spark.
While Wednesday will be sunny with a high near 82 degrees, a dramatic warm-up begins Thursday. Juneteenth is expected to be sunny with a high of 92 degrees in Colorado Springs. The heat intensifies Friday, with temperatures climbing to a blistering 96 degrees under mostly sunny skies. This wave of hot and dry weather is expected to persist through the weekend and into early next week.
This pattern raises concerns for drought-stressed areas, particularly across the San Luis Valley and the lower Arkansas River Valley, where temperatures could approach 100 degrees. Residents should prepare for the heat by staying hydrated, limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the afternoon, and checking on vulnerable neighbors.
The threat of elevated fire conditions will likely continue alongside the heat. Stay aware of any Red Flag Warnings that may be issued by the National Weather Service in the coming days.
Here is the five-day outlook for Colorado Springs:
- Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 82°F.
- Thursday (Juneteenth): Sunny, with a high near 92°F.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 96°F.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 91°F.
- Sunday: Partly cloudy, with a high near 89°F.
