It’s a weirdly warm Thursday in Colorado, but don’t let that 60-degree sunshine fool you into thinking it's a "nice" day. Honestly, if you’re looking at the weather for Colorado today, the temperature is the least interesting part of the story.
Basically, we are stuck in a classic Colorado "roller coaster" setup where a massive jet stream is screaming overhead while a cold front lurks just off to the north. This has triggered a mess of Red Flag Warnings and High Wind Watches that cover a huge chunk of the state, from the Wyoming border down through Denver and across the eastern plains.
The High Wind and Fire Threat
What most people get wrong about winter fire danger is thinking the ground is too frozen or wet to burn. Not today.
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The National Weather Service in Boulder has expanded Red Flag Warnings to include the entire I-25 corridor, and humidity levels are dropping like a rock. We are talking relative humidity as low as 13% or 14%. When you mix that kind of bone-dry air with 50 mph gusts, which are already whipping across Northern Colorado, any spark becomes a problem.
- Denver and the Front Range: Expect gusts between 30 and 40 mph this afternoon.
- Northeastern Plains: Gusts could hit 50 mph before sunset.
- The Mountains: It’s breezy, but the real wind hits the foothills and plains the hardest today.
A Massive Temperature Swing is Coming
If you like the warmth, enjoy it now. Denver is topping out near 62°F today, and Colorado Springs is hitting about 63°F. It feels like spring, kinda. But that cold front scheduled to arrive between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. tonight is going to change the vibe fast.
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Temperatures will plummet into the 20s overnight. By Friday, we’re looking at highs barely reaching 40°F. Xcel Energy is even talking about Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) in places like Fort Collins and Weld County because Friday’s winds could be even more violent—up to 65 mph.
Current Mountain Conditions
Skiers at Beaver Creek and Keystone are seeing mostly sunny skies with temperatures in the mid-30s today. It’s great for visibility, but it’s definitely not a powder day. Most resorts haven't seen fresh snow in the last 24 hours, though a few light flurries might show up after midnight as the front passes through.
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What to do right now
Don't be that person who starts a backyard fire or tosses a cigarette today. It sounds obvious, but with these wind speeds, things get out of control in seconds.
If you're in Northern Colorado, especially near Fort Collins, make sure your phone is charged. If Xcel does pull the plug for safety, you'll want that battery. Also, secure your trash cans and patio furniture now. A 50 mph gust will turn your Weber grill into a projectile before you can finish your coffee.
Check the tie-downs on any light trailers if you’re driving I-25 or I-70. High-profile vehicles are going to have a rough time today and an even worse time tomorrow when the "real" wind arrives behind the front.
Next steps for today:
- Secure loose outdoor items before the evening front arrives.
- Avoid any outdoor burning or spark-producing activity.
- Check your local utility alerts if you live in Weld or Larimer counties.