An updated fire weather watch was released by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 8:54 p.m. valid for Wednesday between noon and 8 p.m. for Elbert/central and east Douglas counties above 6,000 feet.

Expect winds to be south 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph and relative humidity as low as 11%.

“A warm and dry airmass will coincide with gusty west and southwest winds today. Sustained winds are expected to be 15 to 25 mph across much of the high country with gusts up to 40 mph, strongest for exposed areas and higher elevations. These conditions will drive very high fire danger across the warned area. Any new starts or established fires will likely spread rapidly under these conditions,” states 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.”

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