Half Of Colorado Under Red Flag Warning Amid Critical Fire Conditions

DENVER, CO — Strong winds and relatively low humidity led the National Weather Service to issue a red flag warning for much of Colorado on Thursday.

A map provided by the weather service showed all of the state east of the mountains was under a red flag warning Thursday, including Denver, Boulder, Castle Rock, Fort Collins, Greeley and Colorado Springs.

The red flag warning will remain effective through 7 p.m. Thursday. The warning means the state faces critical fire weather conditions.

"Any fire that develops will have the potential to spread rapidly," the weather service said. "Outdoor burning should be avoided, as well as any activity that may produce a spark and start a fast moving wildfire."

The weather also issued a hazardous weather outlook for northeast and north central Colorado, saying fire danger will once again be a concern across the urban corridor and plains Thursday afternoon due to gusty winds and low humidity.

Higher elevations over the mountains could see light snow showers, with 1-3 inches of accumulation possible from Indian Peaks north as well as the Park Range.

"Strong winds may result in areas of blowing snow over high terrain," the weather service said.