The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a hazardous weather outlook and a Fire Weather Watch for northeastern and north central Colorado today, as conditions are expected to be favorable for rapid fire spread due to dry weather and gusty winds. While temperatures hover around 60°F this morning in Denver, they are expected to climb, bringing a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon as reported by the National Weather Service.

A detailed forecast anticipates mostly sunny skies with a high near 87°F today. However, tonight shows a reduced 20 percent chance of showers and storms before giving way to clear skies. But the real concern lies in tomorrow's conditions, which indicate critical fire weather due to a combination of low relative humidity and strong wind gusts. The same source states, wind gusts of 30-40 mph are expected on Thursday afternoon, which could exacerbate the potential fire threat.

The Fire Weather Watch, in effect from Thursday afternoon through the evening, is a stern reminder for residents in the designated zones to exercise caution. Avoiding outdoor burning and activities that could ignite a wildfire is highly advised during this time. The watch zones include areas from northeast Weld County through to Washington County, extending to the plains east of I-25 and the Palmer Divide, according to the National Weather Service.

The Fire Weather Watch warns, that conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread, and urges the public to be prepared for possible Red Flag Warnings. The NWS advises communities to keep abreast of the latest forecasts and take necessary actions to prevent wildfire outbreaks. By the weekend, temperatures are set to see some moderation, with sunny days maintaining highs in the mid-to-upper 80s and slightly more temperate evenings.