Denver wakes up under clear skies and a mild start, with temperatures near 50°F this morning, but the calm look is a little deceiving. A springlike warmup will push highs into the mid to upper 60s, and a Red Flag Warning is in effect Friday, February 27, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. MST for parts of the plains and foothills. That combination of dry air and gusty winds means any spark in exposed areas could spread quickly.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Winds will ramp up from late morning into the afternoon, shifting from west southwest to northwest with sustained speeds generally between 7 and 14 mph and gusts in the 20s to 30s across exposed corridors. Airport forecasts flag the potential for brief, stronger gusts at some terminals. The strongest gusts will be along ridgetops, the I-70 corridor, and the northern plains, which could make things a bit tricky for high-profile vehicles and cyclists this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
Red Flag Warning And Safety
The Red Flag Warning signals a higher risk that any spark could grow quickly. Relative humidity values are expected to fall into the single digits to mid-teens while winds stay breezy. Fire officials want people to avoid open burning, postpone spark-producing yard work and secure loose patio furniture. Local burn rules often kick in automatically when the NWS posts Fire Weather Watches or Red Flag Warnings, as noted in howling winds and fire watch, as per Hoodline. If you see smoke, call 911 and report it to your local fire district immediately.
Weekend And Next Week
Saturday stays warm, with highs expected near 69°F, before a backdoor front cools things down on Sunday. There is a slight chance of light rain on Sunday evening. Forecast guidance keeps a better chance of rain and mountain snow in the mix around Tuesday into Tuesday night, with the potential for brief thunderstorms on the plains, so travelers heading to the high country will want to keep an eye on updates. For the latest official watches and warnings, check the National Weather Service.
