Colorado – Dry grasses rattle, flags snap hard, and the air feels sharp as powerful winds surge across the Front Range. Fire danger is building quickly this morning, and conditions will worsen through the afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Denver/Boulder, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from mid-morning through early evening for Denver, Boulder, and surrounding plains. Northwest winds will increase to 30–40 mph, with gusts reaching 65 mph, especially north of Fort Collins and east of the I-25 corridor. Relative humidity may fall as low as 13 percent.
These conditions create an elevated risk for fast-moving grass fires. Any spark could spread rapidly. Outdoor burning should be avoided, and residents are urged to secure loose items. High-profile vehicles may experience difficult travel along I-25, U.S. 36, and open east–west roads this afternoon.
Temperatures start cold but climb into the lower 40s today. Behind the winds, much colder air arrives tonight. Skies clear, and lows dip into the teens across much of the metro area. The quick temperature swing may catch some off guard after today’s warmth.
Saturday brings calmer weather. Sunshine returns, with highs near 40 and lighter winds. Fire danger decreases, but fuels remain dry. Sunday turns noticeably warmer, with highs near the mid-50s under sunny skies. Snow is not expected, but the dry stretch continues.
MLK Day Monday stays bright and seasonable, with highs near the upper 40s. Overnight lows remain cold, hovering in the 20s, allowing frost to form in sheltered areas. By Tuesday, highs push toward the lower 60s, signaling a sharp January warmup.
Residents should remain fire-aware today and monitor local alerts. Conditions can change quickly when winds peak. Are you noticing stronger gusts in your neighborhood this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for Denver, Colorado
- Today: Windy, high fire danger, high near 41
- Saturday: Sunny, calmer, high near 40
- Sunday: Sunny and warmer, high near 55
- MLK Day Monday: Sunny, high near 47
- Tuesday: Sunny and much warmer, high near 61
