A red flag warning has been issued for Southwest Colorado by the U.S. National Weather Service in Grand Junction as high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds are expected to create critical fire weather conditions over the next several days.
Red flag warnings are issued to alert the public and fire managers on federal lands to weather conditions that could lead to rapid fire growth. The warning is in effect Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect for the lower zone of the San Juan National Forest.
The San Juan National Forest urges caution when doing anything that could spark a fire. The forest service recommended lawn mowing early in the day when temperatures are cooler, and securing tow safety chains to avoid dragging.
While temperatures in Durango and the surrounding area are expected to rise only about 5 degrees above average, extremely low humidity and high winds prompted the warning, said Kris Sanders, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Junction.
“It is super dry,” he said.
Humidity levels are expected to fall into the single digits across much of the area around Durango, with even lower levels possible near the New Mexico state line and around Cortez, Sanders said. Humidity levels in Durango could also continue to drop over the next several days.
Winds are expected to increase Tuesday, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph, he said.
Plants and vegetation are not much different from people, Sanders said. They contain moisture, and when conditions become this hot and dry, that moisture is pulled out, making vegetation much more susceptible to burning.
Outdoor burning should be avoided, as fires will catch easily and spread rapidly.
A fire weather watch has been issued for Wednesday as critical fire weather conditions are expected to continue.
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