An updated fire weather watch was released by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 1:30 a.m. valid from Saturday 10 a.m. until Sunday midnight for the Western Slope.

Winds are expected to be southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph and relative humidity 12 to 17%.

“Elevated fire danger is expected. Fires will catch and spread rapidly and erratically,” states the NWS.

The full list of affected locations includes:

• Colorado River Headwaters

• Northern San Juan

• North Fork

• Gunnison Basin

• Southwest Colorado Upper West Forecast Area

• Southwest Colorado Upper East Forecast Area

• Routt County

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