An updated fire weather watch was released by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 9:02 p.m. valid for Thursday between noon and 8 p.m. for the Western Slope.

Expect winds to be south 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph and relative humidity 5 to 10%.

“Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning,” says the NWS.

The full list of affected locations includes:

• Southwest Colorado Lower Forecast Area

• Paradox Valley

• Northern San Juan

• North Fork

• Gunnison Basin

• Southwest Colorado Upper West Forecast Area

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