A severe weather event is unfolding across the central and southern High Plains, including Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas, with critical to extremely critical fire weather conditions forecasted through Saturday and Sunday. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for strong, potentially damaging winds, with gusts between 70-100 mph in some areas, particularly in the foothills and along the I-25 corridor near Denver. These conditions are exacerbated by low humidity and the presence of dry vegetation, significantly increasing the risk of wildfires. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning and activities that could generate sparks. The weather event also brings the possibility of snow squalls in the mountains, contributing to hazardous travel conditions. Power outages and property damage are possible due to the extreme winds.
1:22am CDT #SPC Day2 #FireWX Critical: southeast new mexico into west texas https://t.co/LEoXKVkNcs https://t.co/PUJqVf6ASP
1:22am CDT #SPC Day1 #FireWX Critical: eastern new mexico into west texas https://t.co/Sz3kci5V5F https://t.co/3ngdMBAtaU
Winds continue to increase as gusts are around 95 mph in a few spots. #cowx https://t.co/6ePXt0dBQh
Winds continue to pick up, with a few 80+ mph gusts and widespread 60+ mph gusts, including Denver: #COwx https://t.co/myotJyBAwN
Strongest winds reported in the last 3 hours. #cowx https://t.co/3buW0oAHqz
Strong and Damaging winds will continue tonight through Sunday morning. #cowx https://t.co/oWF5S1He5Q
So far this afternoon, the strongest winds have been north of Fort Collins and Greeley and in the foothills west of Boulder and Golden. Stronger winds are expected this evening, especially in and near the foothills. Some reports from this afternoon: #cowx https://t.co/69IIeBmT1j
Here is the latest update on Strong Winds and Fire Weather conditions. https://t.co/O6vuV8Mdlc #cowx
3:05pm CDT #SPC Day2 #FireWX Critical: eastern new mexico to southwestern texas https://t.co/LEoXKVkNcs https://t.co/M6OpEMjyeE
Winds strengthening! Rocky Mountain Regional Airport near Broomfield just reported a 69 mph wind gust, and the Wind Technology Center southeast of Boulder reported a gust to 75 mph! #COwx
Winds strengthening! Rocky Mountain Regional Airport in Broomfield just reported a 69 mph wind gust, and the Wind Technology Center southeast of Boulder reported a gust to 75 mph! #COwx
69 mph gust at KBJC (Broomfield) at 1:45pm #COwx
Heads up if you are located in the Central and Southern High Plains! ⚠ Critical to Extreme Fire Weather conditions are likely today into Sunday. Visit https://t.co/FLBuqvcYQg for more information and https://t.co/CQLCPudplX for safety tips🔥! https://t.co/al4q7g4fTf
Northeast Colorado right now: Severe thunderstorms, snow, 80 mph straight line winds and high fire danger all within a 200 mile radius. Because of course. #COwx https://t.co/DG5J7BvW4x
Winds will increase through the afternoon and evening hours. The strongest winds are expected between 6 pm and 6 am with gusts from 80 to 100 mph in and near the the foothills and some mountain areas. Across the plains gusts from 55 to 70 mph will occur. #cowx https://t.co/mEENBrh0tc
11:39am CDT #SPC Day1 #FireWX Extremely Critical: portions of southeast co ok panhandle and southwest ks https://t.co/Sz3kci5V5F https://t.co/as3Z26cIgs
Northeastern Colorado Weather Update #COwx ⬇️ https://t.co/WIJyoTkAg4
Damaging winds expected through Sun morning. Gusts approaching 90 mph possible near the mountains with gusts up to 70 mph across the lower elevations overnight. Secure loose items outside. AVOID fire starts! Strong cross winds will occur on N-S oriented roads. #cowx https://t.co/6ZCxsVoNep
Strong winds and low humidity will lead to volatile conditions for fire spread today. Please AVOID activities which could start a wildfire. Critical fire weather conditions will be possible again on Sunday. #cowx https://t.co/R1FCdfV4Wv
Tonight will potentially be the worst wind storm in the Denver area in years. 100+ mph gusts possible tonight foothills/Highway 93/Boulder/Coal Creek Canyon. Denver peak gusts likely 60-80 mph range late tonight. Long-lived, with 18+ hours of 60+ gusts possible. #COwx https://t.co/pLUGVYhSHL
🌬️A serious wind storm develops today, with localized 100 mph gusts possible in the foothills and 70-80 gusts possible in Denver. Mostly cloudy with some rain/snow possible today, mainly this AM. Highs in the upper 40s...but you won't feel it w/those winds. Stay safe! #COwx https://t.co/ane5ho84FF
⚠️ Extreme Winds Expected ⚠️ Today through Sunday will be exceptionally windy. The strongest gusts will come tonight as speeds may reach 100 mph in the foothills, mountains, and adjacent plains. Preemptive power outages are possible to reduce fire danger. Get prepared! #COwx https://t.co/2AvzzO67Q6
3:53am CDT #SPC Day1 #FireWX Extremely Critical: portions of southeast co, ok panhandle, and southwest ks https://t.co/Sz3kci5V5F https://t.co/zw69sVQnnJ
⚠️Key Messages 4/6-4/7: Critical to Extremely Critical fire-weather conditions are possible today and tomorrow across portions of the central and southern High Plains. Additional info at https://t.co/YX4AE4oUoR and https://t.co/cpnLqiKL4u. https://t.co/mbuEInqDWb
2:20am CDT #SPC Day2 #FireWX Critical: eastern new mexico to west texas https://t.co/LEoXKVkNcs https://t.co/SMxR48zbk5
1:39am CDT #SPC Day1 #FireWX Critical: the southern high plains https://t.co/Sz3kci5V5F https://t.co/vvVgLGOVmA
Critical to extreme fire weather conditions will be possible Saturday in western Oklahoma and parts of western north Texas. Take steps to prevent sparks. A Red Flag Warning is in effect. #okwx #texomawx https://t.co/UCYtVhbEae
Watch for overnight mountain snow squalls. A chance one or two reach the metro area early tomorrow morning, but they probably stay mainly in the mountains. Again, wind (and fire danger from it) are our main concerns with this weekend's storm system. #COwx https://t.co/MfnpEGx7f3
Significant, damaging Front Range wind storm ramps up through the day tomorrow. Top gusts could reach 100 mph in/near foothills, 70-80 mph west side of Denver, 50-60 east side. Peak winds tomorrow afternoon/overnight into Sunday AM. More on @9NEWS in the AM! #COwx
Strong winds are expected across much of the area Saturday with wind gusts up to 55 mph possible in some areas. The wind could cause blowing dust which could reduce visibility in some places. A wind advisory is in effect. #okwx #texomawx https://t.co/QOn9RQ563v
A strong wind storm will occur this weekend. Strongest winds will be in the foothills and I-25 corridor Saturday afternoon 🙴 night, with 80 mph gusts likely and 100 mph gusts possible in the foothills. On the northeast plains 70 mph gusts Saturday night and Sunday morning. #cowx https://t.co/o9WE0Y6r2G
Snow, including snow squalls will be possible over the Mountains tonight into Saturday morning. Wind gusts to near 80 mph and reduced visibility due to blowing snow will cause hazardous travel conditions. #COWX https://t.co/Wdt3tSxyaN
Damaging winds are possible Saturday into Sunday over the higher elevations and along the I-25 corridor. Winds in excess of 60 mph are forecast along the I-25 corridor, and near 80 mph in the mountains. #COWX https://t.co/7cHkhDQaLS
Extreme Fire Danger will continue on Saturday due to low humidity values and very strong winds. Gusts in excess of 60 mph are forecast. If a fire starts, it WILL spread rapidly. Avoid anything that could start a fire! #COWX https://t.co/zhIBSQW88o
4:35 PM - Near critical to critical fire weather conditions have developed in parts of western OK this afternoon w/ RH at 9-15% and south winds 15-25 mph gusting over 30 mph. A Red Flag Warning has been issued and is in effect until 10 PM. #okwx #texomawx https://t.co/L87RBf0RxE
Winds are increasing over the plains! Currently 20-35 mph from eastern Denver to Akron and southward. For late afternoon, expect gusts to 40 mph east of I-25, and up to 50 mph in areas east and southeast of Denver. Humidities are around 10% for dangerous fire conditions! #cowx
Big fire threat as well as damage possible with winds this weekend around 70-100mph! https://t.co/n87KDzkHJV
2:58pm CDT #SPC Day2 #FireWX Critical: the southern high plains https://t.co/LEoXKVkNcs https://t.co/MlXkkFVMHO
🕵️👀Interested in the arrival time of high winds at your specific location? Check out this animation of expected wind progression from midnight tonight - 6 am Sunday. #COwx https://t.co/RhoQAbA110
SATURDAY: Critical fire weather conditions could mean very rapid spread of new or existing wildfires for parts of CO, KS, NM, OK, and TX. Many everyday things can spark wildfires. Keep ignition sources far away from dry vegetation, wood and other fuel. https://t.co/93Bhknjbnw https://t.co/Tq2kJ1XSYV
SATURDAY: Critical fire weather conditions could mean very rapid spread of new or existing wildfires on for parts of CO, KS, NM, OK, and TX. Many everyday things can spark wildfires. Keep ignition sources far away from dry vegetation, wood and other fuel. https://t.co/93Bhknjbnw https://t.co/y37m8GVQSE
Peak wind gust potential tomorrow night/Sunday AM: Boulder: 80-90 mph Denver: 70-80 mph (west side prob sees stronger winds than east) Wind-prone foothills communities: 90-100 mph Reminder: this is a fairly long-lived event, with ~18 hours of nasty winds. #9wx #COwx https://t.co/N9cI6nlqKy https://t.co/rFLU37WK7S
🌬️⏰Very significant wind threat looming for the Denver metro area. Timing: Cold front: around dawn tomorrow AM, winds pick up steadily in its wake Worst of the wind: 6p Sat. - 6a Sun (very worst prob early Sun. AM). Wind gradually relaxes during the day Sunday #9wx #COwx https://t.co/XURA7imrbN
🙋Who will get the highest winds? Check out these probabilities of high wind gusts greater than 60, 80, and 100 mph respectively. Areas in/immediately adjacent to the foothills gonna get BLASTED! #COwx https://t.co/wrNZBqhHKm
11:50am CDT #SPC Day1 #FireWX Critical: the southern to central high plains https://t.co/Sz3kci5V5F https://t.co/YzSypKK3wi
The most commonly felt sensible impact on Saturday will be gusty southwest winds. Gusts as high as 50-55 mph are possible across far northwestern OK. In addition, areas of blowing dust may be noted by late in the day across the western half of OK. #okwx #texomawx https://t.co/Qyua5sD2LY
❄️Not only very strong winds, but in typical CO fashion, some snow, too! Snow squalls (burst of heavy snow, near whiteout conditions, and flash freeze) possible in mountains tonight, including I-70 thru Summit County 2 am - 6 am. Rain/snow showers/a few storms plains. #COwx https://t.co/HcKcBG8Z2G
In addition to storm chances, tomorrow (Saturday) will feature fire weather concern due to gusty southwest winds and low relative humidity. The most significant conditions (critical to locally extreme) look to develop across western OK. Use caution! #okwx #texomawx https://t.co/4Ppl3v1udA
Damaging winds will be possible in a couple of rounds Saturday through Sunday morning. Strongest gusts will be possible late Sat afternoon-Sun AM across the southeast mountains and I-25 corridor. Secure loose objects outside and prepare for strong crosswinds on N-S roads. #cowx https://t.co/T2KZvNTBR9
Mountain snows and strong winds will spread into the region tonight through Saturday. Snow squalls will be possible across the mountains. A quick burst of snow will be possible for the Pikes Peak region Sat morning as well. Monitor the forecasts closely. #cowx https://t.co/dGcPkk6oGe
Fire Danger will be high today across the San Luis Valley and southeast plains due to gusty winds and low humidity values. Please avoid fire starts! #cowx https://t.co/bE5NbxqFSO
⚠️Key Messages Fri 4/5-4/7: A strong storm will bring gusty winds and low humidity favorable for widespread critical fire weather to the southern and central Plains through the weekend. Avoid outdoor burning. Updated forecasts at https://t.co/6ByLpjFGWn https://t.co/QMmU4tBZDt https://t.co/40rnmpMzcv
Friday could be the Rockies’ warmest home opening ever -- but batten down the hatches, because there's high fire danger and wind gusts up to 100 mph forecast for Saturday. #cowx https://t.co/9kAjgyqocr
🌤️ A warm but windy day, with a high in the upper 70s in Denver. Winds gust as high as 35-40 mph this afternoon, meaning high fire danger. 💨 Very strong winds and colder tomorrow, with gusts to 90-100 mph possible in the foothills and 60-70 mph in Denver tomorrow night. #COwx https://t.co/v2m8CHOISo
High Winds in the Forecast Avoid outdoor burning Tie down items outdoors Follow @NWSBoulder for weather updates this weekend #COwx https://t.co/MbCApFwbji
Follow @NWSBoulder for updates on weather #COwx https://t.co/naPjXJOZZy
Be smart, #Colorado. Avoid any spark, flame, open burning, etc. 🔥 Dry conditions + increasingly strong winds could easily spread fires #COwx https://t.co/6yUGxVPYaH
Critical Fire Risk for central/southern High Plains through this weekend https://t.co/A3RX3bxaUJ
In Colorado, we are used to windy days and wind storms. This weekend's wind storm will not be like our typical wind storm. We are expecting winds to reach 100 mph in the foothills! Winds this strong may lead to property damage and power outages. COwx https://t.co/hRYJytzxNC
High Winds, High Fire Danger and heavy wind driven mountain snows will be possible across southern CO through Sunday morning. Please visit https://t.co/pZtSo4MIzS for details and monitor the forecasts closely. Avoid activities which could start a fire! #cowx https://t.co/Q4L3TDU5Oo
Warm, dry, and breezy conditions today will create critical fire danger across the I-25 corridor and plains. If a fire were to start, it could spread rapidly due to these conditions. Please avoid burning today! #COwx https://t.co/f289muXYdl
2:04am CDT #SPC Day2 #FireWX Critical: the southern high plains https://t.co/LEoXKVkNcs https://t.co/5Hlm3nmHfL
1:21am CDT #SPC Day1 #FireWX Critical: the southern to central high plains https://t.co/Sz3kci5V5F https://t.co/QfV4NPHeQt
Modeling indicating the potential for 18-24 hours of 70+ mph winds in the foothills, with some 90 to even 100 mph gusts possible. Long-lived with event. Power outages possible. Worst: ~3pm Sat. - ~7am Sun. AM. Denver: 50-70 mph gusts possible (though not as long-lived). #COwx https://t.co/OaJ7RrpWiP
High wind and fire threat this weekend https://t.co/ZEbDtmXT6T
Prepare now for high winds Sat-Sun. Gusts >70 mph may be widespread for foothills + areas west of I-25 from Denver to WY border, and may locally reach 100+ mph. High profile vehicles should reroute/avoid travel. Downed trees/powerlines, damage to fences/shingles possible #COwx https://t.co/R2aOH4rtT2 https://t.co/Z6IQ90ckEy
Widespread critical fire weather conditions are expected for the eastern plains and the San Luis Valley on Friday. Please make sure to avoid any actions that could start a fire! #cowx #firewx https://t.co/4L7pNzSxxE
Strong and potentially damaging winds will set in across the area on Saturday. This could cause travel impacts and will further increase fire danger throughout the day. Stay tuned for more updates! #cowx https://t.co/A7r7LTUx3X
VERY strong winds are likely on Saturday. Foothills could gust as strong as 80-90 mph. 50-60 mph gusts possible *in* Denver. #COwx https://t.co/tTEgjYUlF9
💨High Wind Watch💨 Very strong and potentially damaging winds will be possible starting Saturday morning, continuing/increasing through Saturday night, and then gradually diminishing Sunday. A variety of hazards/impacts possible. Stay tuned for updates! #COwx https://t.co/tIkE4mAblJ
Officially our warmest day so far this year in Denver, 73° so far! Warmest day since Nov. 7 (149 days). #9wx #COwx https://t.co/zSpxPUnNiJ
🔥Red Flag Warning 🔥 Includes most of the plains east of I-25 for Friday 10 am to 9 pm. Avoid any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. Be ready to act quickly should a fire start, as rapid fire spread is certainly possible! #COwx https://t.co/PENHS7e51N
Follow @NWSBoulder for updates to the weather forecast this weekend. #COwx https://t.co/D96Bzns5LJ
1:17pm CDT #SPC Day2 #FireWX Critical: a large portion of the southern and central high plains https://t.co/LEoXKVkNcs https://t.co/IAmnVD0gNo
💨High and Potentially Damaging Winds Possible Saturday - Sunday 💨 Here's what we know, and don't know right now. Stay tuned for updates on this potentially significant wind event! #COwx https://t.co/QqUAL5oTEX
Blue sky to help #Denver make a run at about 74° this afternoon. That would be the warmest day since ~Nov. 6 last year (75°). Enjoy! #COwx https://t.co/UEPDK4qICb
⚠️Key Messages 4/5-4/7: Critical Fire-Weather conditions are likely across the southern High Plains this Friday and through the weekend. Check for new forecast information at https://t.co/6ByLpjGeLV and https://t.co/QMmU4tCxt1 Avoid outdoor burning and have a fire safety plan. https://t.co/xVxf7GvOm8
Windy and dry conditions will lead to critical fire weather conditions Saturday afternoon across portions of western Oklahoma and western north Texas. Do what you can to prevent fire start and spread tomorrow! #okwx #texomawx https://t.co/1rw96Gp9RQ
Warm, dry, and windy conditions will combine creating critical fire danger Friday, Saturday and possibly Sunday as well. https://t.co/uiTwwWlKe3
🌤️ Our warmest day of the year is likely today, with a high near 75° in Denver, with a bit of a breeze and a few late clouds! 💨 Even warmer tomorrow with a high near 75° again, but windier with a few more clouds ahead of some Saturday showers. #COwx https://t.co/LgSv83wUza
With strong and gusty winds and low RH values still in place, there will be critical fire weather conditions again for the plains during the afternoon through early evening on Saturday. Avoid outdoor activities that could cause a spark! #cowx https://t.co/VQGNvFrgYg
Strong and gusty winds, along with low relative humidity values, will create critical fire weather conditions for widespread areas across the plains and San Luis Valley during the afternoon through early evening on Friday. Avoid outdoor activities which could cause a spark! #cowx https://t.co/xGap8Xnfzt
The severe threat has decreased a bit for Saturday, although there's still a chance of strong to severe thunderstorms mainly along and east of I-35. The winds, however, are still expected to be strong throughout the day Saturday. #okwx #texomawx https://t.co/8dAJJbCGKV
1:00am CDT #SPC Day2 #FireWX Critical: a large portion of the southern and central high plains https://t.co/LEoXKVkNcs https://t.co/TML2AYEHH7
For the first time in 2024, it hit 70° in Denver! 71° so far today @DENAirport, snapping our latest wait for a 70° day since 1983. #COwx https://t.co/rltfAclZG7
We're expecting widespread critical fire weather conditions Friday for most of the rural plains. A Fire Weather Watch will be in effect. Now's a good time to take preparatory actions! #COwx Thanks to recent precipitation, danger will be lower (but not zero!) along I-25 corridor. https://t.co/pF3rxC6J2N
High fire danger for much of the area Fri and Sat. Strong winds and snow will produce hazardous travel conditions for the Continental Divide Fri and Sat. #cowx #firewx #winterwx https://t.co/cNsPF8umWZ
Breezy south to southwest winds are expected today, strongest in the mountains. Wind gusts up to 20-30 mph are expected in the Valley. Use caution when driving high profile vehicles or near them! #cawx https://t.co/HudSeblFC8
🌤️ Mostly sunny, warm, and breezy with a high in the upper 60s! A nice 10° jump from yesterday, though with gusts in the 20-25 mph range this afternoon in Denver. 🌡️ Our first 70°+ days of the year likely tomorrow and Friday before showers on Saturday. #COwx https://t.co/dxbhiTlfYl
Temperatures will continue to warm through Friday with increasing winds. High Fire Danger will be likely across much of the area on Friday. Saturday will be cool, but remain windy and dry, with another day of high fire danger possible for the SE plains. #cowx https://t.co/x2fWrflu5l
Critical Fire Weather conditions will be increasing across southern Colorado Fri and Sat, as the dry and windy sector of a storm system moves across the region. Please avoid activities which could start a wildfire! #cowx https://t.co/8fjVhQzbaX
Mild and dry weather will continue today, with mostly sunny skies. Gusty winds are expected again for most of the plains, where elevated fire weather conditions are possible this afternoon. The warming trend will continue Thursday and Friday. #cowx https://t.co/UxotzBiJbA
After mild and dry weather Wed/Thu, warm and windy conditions develop on Friday, with high fire danger over the I-25 corridor and southeast plains. The upcoming weekend looks windy as well, with a continuation of increased fire danger on the plains. #cowx https://t.co/usMIoRIONF
It's officially Denver's latest wait for a 70° day in 41 years. No high of 70° yet = latest wait in Denver since 1983. We'll likely get there tomorrow or Thursday, though! #COwx
Fire weather danger increasing this weekend across our west. Gusty southwest winds and very low RHs behind a dryline will result in elevated to near critical conditions. Saturday's fire wx will be dependent on where the dryline sets up in the afternoon. #okwx #texomawx https://t.co/HPFPiVLZg9
It will be windy but warmer today with clearing skies this morning. Warm and dry conditions will continue for the remainder of the week with High Fire Danger returning to the SE Plains and San Luis Valley on Friday. #cowx https://t.co/FwqnXzfRmF