DENVER — Strong winds across eastern Colorado will create critical fire weather conditions on Monday.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday for all of eastern Colorado, including the Front Range and Denver metro area.
Denver and eastern Colorado will experience gusty winds on Monday, with gusts from 40 to 50 mph.
Low relative humidity and strong winds will cause fires to rapidly spread. The National Weather Service said there should be no outdoor burning on Monday.
Hundreds of flights were delayed at Denver's airport on Monday due to the winds.
"At South Metro, Red Flag Warning means we triple the amount of firefighters and apparatus that respond to even a report of a small wildland fire," said South Metro Fire Rescue spokesperson Eric Hurst. "Anytime it’s been days or weeks until fresh rain or snow has fallen, especially on grasses, they’re at risk for burning."
Fire officials want people to not have any open burns and to stay away from any activity that could spark a wildfire.
"It’s just a good reminder that we have to be cautious, and using anything that can cause sparks, has an open flame or any kind of heat source outside, we just want to limit those activities and put those off until it’s a less active day," Hurst said.
Snow will develop in Colorado's mountains Monday with heavier snow expected in the mountains Monday night into Tuesday. Travel will be impacted in the high country of Colorado due to blowing snow and strong winds.
Rain and snow will develop over the Denver metro area and eastern plains on Tuesday. The Front Range and Denver area will likely only see a few inches of snow with most melting on warm roadways.
Then fair and warmer weather returns for Friday and Saturday with possibly cooler and wetter weather by Sunday.
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