Strong winds and low humidity prompted red flag warnings for “critical fire weather conditions” on Sunday across the foothills and southern metro area, according to the National Weather Service.
The warnings, which will be in effect until 5 p.m. Sunday, cover parts of Park, Jefferson, Douglas, Gilpin, Clear Creek and Elbert counties, according to the weather service.
Wind gusts up to 45 mph and humidities as low as 11% will be possible throughout the day on Sunday, forecasters said.
“Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread,” weather service forecasters said in the red flag warning. “Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.”
Elevated fire danger is also forecast for Denver and Boulder on Sunday, according to the weather service. Red flag warnings were not issued because forecasters were less confident that strong winds would gust through the cities in the afternoon, when relative humidities are expected to be the lowest.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
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