Weather

Metro Denver Drought, Dangerous Fire Conditions: Update

Another red flag warning has been issued for eastern Colorado as drought and high winds continue.

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Most of Denver's metro area is now under either 'moderate' or 'abnormally dry' drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Classifications: Orange means 'severe drought,' beige means 'moderate drought' and yellow means 'abnormally dry.'
Most of Denver's metro area is now under either 'moderate' or 'abnormally dry' drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Classifications: Orange means 'severe drought,' beige means 'moderate drought' and yellow means 'abnormally dry.' (U.S. Drought Monitor)

DENVER, CO — Drought conditions in Denver's metro area range from 'abnormally dry' to 'severe' this week, according to a U.S. Drought Monitor report published Thursday.

The conditions are fueling dangerous fire weather, and another red flag warning will be in effect Friday for most eastern Colorado counties from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., the National Weather Service said in an alert.

Humidity on Friday could reach as low as 10 percent, with west wind gusting between 15 and 25 mph, weather officials said. Gusts could reach up to 40 mph.

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A red flag warning lets residents know that critical fire weather conditions are occurring.

"Any fire that starts will have the potential to spread rapidly," the National Weather Service said in its alert. "Avoid burning or any outdoor activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire."

Find out what's happening in Denverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

U.S. Drought Monitor Scale:

  • D0: Abnormally Dry
  • D1: Moderate Drought
  • D2: Severe Drought
  • D3: Extreme Drought
  • D4: Exceptional Drought

The monitor is published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Drought Mitigation Center.

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