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Wind Whips Denver As Red Flag Fire Fears Grip The Metro

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Published on April 13, 2026
Wind Whips Denver As Red Flag Fire Fears Grip The MetroSource: Mobyll at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Denver rolled into Monday, April 13, under clear skies and a quick wake‑up call from the wind. Temperatures started near 46°F, with a dry, brisk south‑southeast breeze already pushing sustained speeds into the mid‑to‑high 20s mph at metro reporting sites. Highs are expected to reach the low 70s this afternoon, but the combo of low humidity and gusty winds will crank up fire danger across parts of the metro area and eastern plains.

Red Flag Warning Today

The National Weather Service has a Red Flag Warning in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday for the southern foothills and portions of the eastern plains, where humidity is forecast to drop into the single digits to mid-teens and gusts could approach 30 mph. Fuels remain very dry across many zones, so even a small spark could cause big trouble. According to NWS Denver/Boulder, residents should skip open burning today, hold off on spark‑producing yard work, and secure loose outdoor items during the warning period.

Afternoon Winds Pick Up

Southwest winds will stay breezy to gusty through the afternoon, with the strongest gusts near the foothills where unsecured patio furniture, trash cans, or light trailers can take a short, unplanned trip. Wind‑driven dust or smoke from any small fires could cut visibility on exposed stretches of road, so drivers should use caution and be ready for sudden crosswinds on highway segments. If you spot smoke or a fire, report it quickly to local authorities and keep pets indoors until the wind backs off.

Tuesday Brings Cooler Weather And Showers

A cooler system moves in Tuesday, April 14, bringing a better chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly in the afternoon and evening and trimming highs back into the low 60s. Mountain zones are in line for the best moisture, and some higher elevations could pick up a few inches of snow overnight into Wednesday, with slick travel possible at night. Forecast timing and precipitation chances are detailed by NWS Denver/Boulder.

Related Coverage

For context on how we got here, check out our earlier update on the early‑season warmth and Sunday’s fire concerns in Sunday's sizzle and Red Flag scare, as per Hoodline. This story continues that coverage with the new warning details and timing for Monday, April 13.

Denver-Weather & Environment