Denver woke up to a chilly, cloudy, and breezy start around 41°F on Friday morning, but the real headline for April 3 is the wind and a heightened fire danger. Skies turn sunny by afternoon with a high near 54°F, while persistent west-northwest winds hang on through the midday commute. Dry air plus gusty winds will turn outdoor burning into a risky move and could send unsecured patio furniture on an unplanned neighborhood tour.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the plains from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. MDT on Friday, April 3, citing strong west-northwest winds and very low humidity, according to the National Weather Service. Gusts are expected to push into the mid-30s across the metro, ramping up to 35 to 45 mph across the more exposed plains. Some foothill spots could see localized gusts in the 50 to 60 mph range. The strongest winds are likely from late morning through mid-afternoon, with speeds easing gradually after sunset.
Travel And Road Safety
High-profile vehicles such as semis, RVs, and trailers should be on high alert along I-25 and other open stretches. The Colorado Department of Transportation notes it may put high-wind restrictions in place when gusts become a safety concern, so drivers should plan for extra travel time and consider postponing nonessential trips. For current road conditions, check COtrip and official CDOT channels, and be ready for pockets of blowing dust or debris across the plains. At home, secure outdoor furniture, trash bins, and yard items, and give taller vehicles extra space when passing on the highway.
Fire Danger And Practical Steps
Dry fuels combined with single-digit to low-teens dewpoints mean a small spark can spread quickly, so skip yard-debris burns, welding, and any spark-producing work while the Red Flag Warning is active. Move propane tanks and vehicles away from tall dry grass, clear flammable material from around buildings, and report any smoke or active fire to 911 immediately.
Weekend Outlook
Winds back off Friday night and a warmer, drier pattern settles in for the weekend. Highs climb into the mid-60s on Saturday and the upper-60s to near 70 by Sunday, with only a slight chance of showers early next week. If you have outdoor plans on Monday or Tuesday, keep an eye on updated forecasts in case that weak shower chance tries to flare up.
