High fire danger prompts urgent warnings in Colorado

On March 18, 2025, Colorado experienced significant weather changes, leading to heightened fire danger across various regions, particularly in the Denver metro area. Strong gusty winds struck the area overnight, with reports of gusts reaching up to 80 mph in locations like Boulder. These conditions prompted the issuance of Red Flag Warnings for the I-25 corridor, eastern Colorado, and the Denver metro region, highlighting the rapid fire spread potential due to low humidity levels that could dip to 9% and rising temperatures, which could climb into the 70s and 80s in some parts of Eastern Colorado. As the day progressed, forecasts indicated a cold front moving through the state, anticipated to bring rain and snow beginning Tuesday evening. Snowfall was expected to hit the mountainous regions by mid-afternoon, with lower elevations experiencing precipitation during the evening commute. The mixture of rain and snow would transition to mostly snow overnight as temperatures quickly cooled. It was predicted that the Denver metro area would see minimal accumulation, while parts of Eastern Colorado might receive up to 1-2 inches. The winter weather was expected to lead to advisories for high-country areas, with some predictions of up to 12 inches of snow in the mountains. Moreover, forecasters emphasized that even though areas such as Northern Colorado and the far northeastern plains were not included in Tuesday's fire weather warnings, strong winds were expected to continue through Wednesday, with gusts potentially reaching 60 mph in some locations. The storm system was also projected to drop temperatures significantly by the evening, putting an end to the previous warm weather conditions. High Wind Warnings were in effect, primarily impacting the lower elevation areas experiencing elevated fire risks. This abrupt climatic shift serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by fire hazards and the volatile weather patterns that can quickly evolve in Colorado. As the front sweeps through, residents are advised to stay informed about weather conditions and heed safety warnings regarding fire risks, particularly with the combination of strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures creating an environment conducive to fire spread.