On Thursday at 1:57 p.m. a fire weather watch was issued by the National Weather Service valid for Saturday between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. for Elbert/central and east Douglas counties above 6,000 feet.

Winds are forecasted to be west 10 TO 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph and relative humidity as low as 5%.

“A prolonged period of record warmth and very low humidity will bring elevated to critical fire weather conditions for much of northeast and north central Colorado through Saturday. The most widespread critical conditions are expected to develop Saturday afternoon and hold into Saturday evening,” according to the NWS. “Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.”

According to the NWS, a fire weather watch means that critical fire weather conditions are possible. Listen for later forecasts and possible red flag warnings.

Source: The National Weather Service