Grand Junction, Colorado – Gusty winds and bone-dry air are fueling critical fire conditions across northwest Colorado and parts of eastern Utah, prompting Red Flag Warnings in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, southwest winds could gust between 25 to 40 mph across areas including Meeker, Craig, Rangely, and Steamboat Springs, with relative humidity dropping as low as 5%. The warning also extends across Grand Junction, Rifle, and the I-70 corridor, where any spark could rapidly ignite vegetation.
Localized fire risk will remain high even outside the designated Red Flag zones, particularly across western Colorado’s valleys. A slight uptick in mountain moisture may trigger isolated thunderstorms over higher terrain, but with minimal rainfall, these storms may worsen the risk by producing dry lightning — a key concern through the end of the week.
Residents are urged to avoid open flames, outdoor welding, or driving over dry grass during the warning window. Fire crews remain on alert due to the volatile mix of wind, heat, and low humidity.
Red Flag Warnings may return in the coming days as the fire-prone weather pattern holds through the weekend.
