Thursday, 28 Mar 2024

Denver weather: Very dry conditions bring fire danger

Saturday brings another day of highs approaching 90 degrees and partly sunny skies, but that will bring an increased risk for more fire activity.

A red flag fire warning is in effect through 8 p.m. Saturday as very dry conditions and high winds in high-terrain areas continue to fuel wildfires. The Cameron Peak fire is expected to exhibit “extreme fire behavior” as wind gusts may reach speeds up to 60 mph, according to the National Weather Service in Boulder.

“We got some pretty strong winds today, especially in the foothills,” said Frank Cooper of NWS Boulder. “You combine that with the really high temperatures, you have a chance for dangerous conditions.”

There is also an air quality for Saturday as smoke from several wildfires will be elevated in the northern Colorado Front Range region. Cooper warns residents to look out for possible dangers.

“Just really be careful. Avoid any issues that can produce a spark,” Cooper said. “Any kind of spark can cause a problem if it gets out of hand.”

A shift in temperature and precipitation will come Saturday night, bringing more seasonal weather.

“We have a weak cold front coming this evening,” Cooper said, with a stronger cold front to follow Sunday. Winds will calm down Saturday and the low will drop to around 53 degrees. By Sunday, there will be a 30% chance of showers just after noon.

Otherwise, expect mostly sunny skies with a high near 62 degrees, with areas experiencing a 25- to 28-degree temperature drop.

“There will be scattered showers that should bring some relief,” Cooper said, most likely in high-terrain areas. “Dry but cooler temperatures should be closer to what they should be this time of year.”

The chance for showers increases to 50% Sunday night with increased cloud coverage. Expect a low temperature of around 39 degrees.

The workweek will see mostly clear skies with highs in the mid- to upper 70s and lows around the low to mid-40s.

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