Pueblo, CO – Critical fire weather conditions are already developing across southern Colorado today, with strong winds and extremely low humidity creating a high risk for rapidly spreading wildfires through 7 p.m. Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, Baca and Prowers counties face the most immediate danger between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., where south winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph combine with humidity levels as low as 7 to 12 percent. These conditions make it easy for any spark to ignite and spread quickly across dry grasslands.
The threat escalates significantly by Wednesday and Thursday across a much larger area, including Pueblo, Colorado Springs, La Junta, Lamar, and Trinidad. Wind gusts are expected to reach 40 to 60 mph, while humidity drops even further to between 5 and 12 percent. High temperatures in the 80s and low 90s will add to the volatility, increasing the potential for extreme fire behavior and rapid growth.
Major roadways including I-25, Highway 50, and Highway 287 could be impacted by reduced visibility from smoke or fast-moving fires. Residents should avoid outdoor burning, secure trailer chains, and delay any activity that could produce sparks.
Fire danger remains elevated into Thursday evening, and additional warnings or expansions are likely as conditions intensify midweek.
