The weather conditions experienced in Southern Colorado recently have been notably severe. The last few days have proved extremely hot and dry, creating an environment that has become alarmingly conducive to the spread of fires. The citizens of the area have been strongly advised against burning anything during this period when the probability of fires is dangerously high.
Weather records for the month of October have been shattered in Southern Colorado. Such was the intensity of the heat that a new record temperature high was set in Colorado Springs and the existing record was matched in Pueblo. Alongside these temperature records, red flag warnings were raised and stayed in place till 7 PM in particular areas. Low levels of humidity, ranging from 5% to 15% across Colorado, and winds gusting at speeds of up to 30 mph have made it easier for fires to kindle and propagate. Authorities have pleaded with the citizens to refrain from lighting any fires outdoors during this time.
In Colorado Springs, the forecast pointed to a sharp contrast between the night and day temperatures. Residents of El Paso county were cautioned with red flag warnings till 7 PM because of the dry and gusty conditions ideal for fire spread. Night temperatures in the upper 40s would lend a hint of autumn to the atmosphere while the day would see a high in the lower 70s.
In Pueblo, similar red flag warnings were issued and night lows were expected to touch the mid-40s. Day temperatures were projected to reach the upper 70s; though cooler than previous days, this figure is still considered higher than average for this time of the year.
Canon City witnessed a cold front pushing through with night lows in the upper 40s. Day temperatures were expected to be reduced, but still deemed higher than the average for the season. It was anticipated that this temporary relief would be short-lived and the temperatures would resurge to the 80s by Monday.
In Woodland Park and the Tri-Lakes area, breezy conditions prevailed through the night with temperatures dipping to the upper 30s and lower 40s respectively. The imminence of a cold front promised cooler temperatures on the following day with highs in the lower 70s.
In the Plains, the hot and dry streak persisted. The red flag warnings were not extended to most of the Plains because the conditions were not as gusty as they were in the Pikes Peak Region. Even though humidity values were still registering lower than normal, day temperatures were expected to cool down to the 70s.
Red flag warnings were hoisted until 7 PM in Huerfano County, the mountains, and Walsenburg and Trinidad. Residents were advised to postpone any outdoor activities that could ignite a fire or spark. High day temperatures were slowly dipping by a few degrees each day while nights were becoming increasingly colder, reaching the upper 40s.
The climatic conditions for the extended forecast indicate a cold front is predicted to descend tonight. This would not only alleviate the current high temperatures but also likely end the red flag warnings due to the anticipated increase in humidity. However, overall conditions will remain tranquil, and unfortunately, higher than average temperatures will persist. As seen in the past week, temperatures may fluctuate between the 70s and 80s.
