Temperatures over 100 degrees, gusty winds and dry lightning have forecasters and Front Range officials worried about the potential for new wildfires Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
Red flag warnings and heat advisories are in effect for most of the state as temperatures are expected to soar to 101 in Denver, 98 in Boulder and 105 on the Eastern Plains.
Forecasters issued a red flag warning for most of the Front Range mountains and foothills, including parts of Jefferson, Douglas, Gilpin, Clear Creek, Boulder, Grand, Larimer, Weld, Park, Jackson and Summit counties.
A red flag warning means there is “critical fire weather conditions” that may contribute to “extreme fire behavior.” Gusty winds up to 45 mph, humidity as low as 13% and lightning from thunderstorms are possible, according to NWS.
State public health officials also issued an air quality alert for Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, western Arapahoe, western Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer and Weld counties until 4 p.m. Sunday, with “hot and stagnant weather” allowing ozone to reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups.
