Weather Story

Red Flag Warning Saturday

TODAY: Hottest March Day on Record Expected

Critical fire conditions will become more widespread on Saturday across much of the forecast area as hot temperatures and exceptionally dry conditions persist. Winds are expected to increase across the higher elevations in the late morning before spreading onto the lower elevations in the afternoon. Therefore, a Red Flag Warning is in place from 11 AM to 10 PM Saturday for the mountain valleys and Front Range Foothills, and from 2 PM to 10 PM for the I-25 corridor, Palmer Divide, and along and north of I-76. Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Please avoid all outdoor activities that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.

The hottest March day on record is expected for all locations in northeast Colorado today, Saturday March 21st. High temperatures are projected to soar into the lower 90's for the plains and urban corridor, and 70's to 80's for mountain and foothills communities, easily breaking March records established during the preceding days this week. The highly anomalous heat, exceptionally dry conditions, and breezy winds for most areas will drive very high fire danger across the region, including into the foothills and high mountain valleys.