Denver, Colorado – Critical fire weather conditions are expected across the Denver area and adjacent plains Thursday, prompting a Red Flag Warning from the National Weather Service Denver/Boulder.
The Red Flag Warning is in effect from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday for locations along and east of the Interstate 25 corridor, including the Denver metro area. Forecasters cite a combination of very low humidity and strong winds as the primary drivers of the elevated fire danger.
According to the National Weather Service, relative humidity values are forecast to drop as low as 13 to 20 percent during the afternoon hours. At the same time, northwest winds are expected to gust between 35 and 50 miles per hour, creating conditions favorable for rapid fire growth and extreme fire behavior if a fire were to start.
The strongest winds are expected from late morning through mid-afternoon, overlapping with the lowest humidity levels. Dry fuels across the plains and Front Range urban corridor further increase the risk for fast-moving grass and brush fires.
Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning, postpone activities that could produce sparks, and secure items that could be blown by strong winds. Any fire that starts under these conditions could spread quickly and become difficult to control.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve this evening as winds weaken and humidity levels recover after sunset.
Residents, construction crews, and outdoor workers in the Denver area should remain alert and follow all local fire restrictions during the warning period.
