Denver residents are being urged to brace for weather conditions this week, from sunny highs to snow showers and a critical fire risk that has prompted warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS). According to the NWS forecast, the city will see a sunny high near 64 degrees today, with wind gusts that could reach as high as 20 mph. However, the caution doesn't stop with the winds, as a "Fire Weather Watch" is in effect from Monday morning through Monday evening for the urban corridor and portions of the plains due to forecasted high winds and low humidity.

The National Weather Service has issued a "Red Flag Warning," which remains in effect from noon to 7 PM MDT today for Colorado's northeast and southeast plains. The statement warned the agency to avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. Residents are also advised of gusty winds across the lower elevations and eastern slopes of the Front Range Mountains, where gusts could soar to 75 mph in some areas.

On Monday, conditions are expected to worsen—with Southwest 15 to 25 mph winds with gusts up to 40 mph and relative humidity as low as 11 percent, which could lead to rapid fire spread. The National Weather Service warning adds that conditions will favor rapid fire spread.

While the immediate threat may be fire, Denver is not out of winter's grip yet, as a storm system is set to roll in by Tuesday. This pattern shift is poised to bring varying precipitation – rain likely after noon, mixing with snow after 3 pm, and an 80% chance of snow is predicted by Tuesday night. The NWS cautions that strong winds gusting up to 50 mph are also expected Tuesday night and notes that some travel impacts are likely from snow and wind, particularly in the mountains and foothills. The rest of the week will see more fluctuations, including chances for rain and snow through to the weekend.