At 4:29 a.m. on Wednesday, the National Weather Service released an updated fire weather watch valid for Thursday between noon and 8 p.m. for the Western Slope.

Winds are forecasted 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,” explains 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

• Southwest Colorado Upper East Forecast Area

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