The National Weather Service released an updated fire weather watch at 5:55 p.m. on Wednesday valid for Thursday between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. for Kit Carson and Cheyenne counties.

Residents can expect winds to be northeast at 10 to 15 mph during the late morning and early afternoon, abruptly increasing to 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph during the late afternoon and relative humidity as low as 15%.

“On Thursday, well above normal temperatures and dry conditions will persist south of Interstate 70, where light northeasterly winds during the late morning and early afternoon will abruptly increase to 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph during the late afternoon,” says the NWS. “Unpredictable fire behavior. Any fires that develop may rapidly grow and spread out of control.”

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