Much of Colorado, including areas east of Denver, is under a red flag warning on Tuesday as forecasters warn that dry air, warm weather and gusty winds will create critical conditions for a blaze.
Meanwhile, a spring storm capable of dropping snow along the Front Range and in the city is expected to begin Wednesday evening, dropping temperatures and causing rain and snow through the weekend.
A red flag warning is in effect Tuesday for Denver’s eastern and southern surroundings and the northeast plains from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., according to the National Weather Service in Boulder.
“Extreme fire behavior will be likely in dry vegetation because of the very warm temperatures, low humidities and gusty southerly winds,” the service said in a bulletin.
Much of the Western Slope — including Aspen, Cortez, Meeker, Montrose and Rifle — is under a red flag warning from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., according to the weather service’s Grand Junction office.
“Strong southwest winds will develop this afternoon ahead of an approaching cold front,” the Grand Junction office said. “Wind gusts of 45 to 55 are likely across the warning area.”
In southeast Colorado, El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano, Las Animas, Crowley, Bent, Otero and Kiowa counties are all under a red flag warning between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Officials announced Monday evening that a 250-acre wildfire that was burning near Kenosha Pass in Park County was fully contained.
In Durango, firefighters continued to fight a wildfire that started Sunday and was burning near the 4000 block of La Plata County Road 213, which is on Southern Ute tribal land. It was at 60 acres Monday night and 40 percent contained, according to a county official.
High winds are expected in the area of the wildfire on Tuesday.
In Denver on Tuesday forecasters are calling for a high of 75 degrees. Temperatures are expected to drop to a high of 56 degrees on Wednesday as a rain and snow mix begins falling.
Precipitation and cooler temps are expected through the weekend in the city.
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or twitter.com/JesseAPaul
