Alert archive / Colorado / Red Flag Warnings in 2018

Red Flag Warning 16, NWS Pueblo, CO

March 16, 201811 counties in Colorado

NWS Pueblo, CO issued this red flag warning at Mar 16, 2018, 3:21 PM MDT for 11 counties in Colorado. It took effect at Mar 17, 2018, 11:00 AM MDT. It was in force for 8 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Mar 16, 2018, 3:21 PM MDT (21:21 UTC)
In effect from
Mar 17, 2018, 11:00 AM MDT
Expired
Mar 17, 2018, 7:00 PM MDT
In force
8 hr
Issued by
NWS Pueblo, CO

Counties Baca County, CO, Bent County, CO, Costilla County, CO, Crowley County, CO, Custer County, CO, Huerfano County, CO, Las Animas County, CO, Otero County, CO, Prowers County, CO, Pueblo County, CO, Saguache County, CO

The radar

The Pueblo radar (KPUX), 70 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 21:20 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Denver, CO (KDEN), launched 12:00Z, 9.4 hours before the alert went out and 242 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Denver, CO at 12:00Z on 2018-03-16Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Denver, CO at 12:00Z on 2018-03-16The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -84 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1119 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
10 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-84 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
-90 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

636 
WWUS85 KPUB 162121
RFWPUB

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
321 PM MDT Fri Mar 16 2018

...A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 7 PM today for gusty 
winds, low humidity and dry fuels for fire weather zones 222 and 
224 through 237 which includes the San Luis Valley, the lower 
elevations of the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains, Fremont 
County, the I-25 corridor and all of the southeast Colorado 
plains...

...A Red Flag Warning has been issued from noon until 7 PM
Saturday for gusty winds, low humidity and dry fuels for fire 
weather zones 233, and 235 through 237, which includes Bent, 
Prowers, eastern Las Animas and Baca Counties...

COZ234-170100-
/O.CAN.KPUB.FW.A.0012.180317T1800Z-180318T0100Z/
/O.CON.KPUB.FW.W.0015.000000T0000Z-180317T0100Z/
Kiowa County Including Eads-
321 PM MDT Fri Mar 16 2018

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM MDT THIS EVENING
FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE
234...
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS CANCELLED FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW
RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 234...

The National Weather Service in Pueblo has cancelled the Fire
Weather Watch that was in effect for Saturday.

* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zone 234.

* Winds...Southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

* Relative Humidity...As low as 12 percent.

* Impacts...Conditions will be favorable for the rapid ignition, 
  growth and spread of fires.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels may contribute
to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

COZ233-235>237-171330-
/O.UPG.KPUB.FW.A.0012.180317T1800Z-180318T0100Z/
/O.NEW.KPUB.FW.W.0016.180317T1800Z-180318T0100Z/
/O.CON.KPUB.FW.W.0015.000000T0000Z-180317T0100Z/
Eastern Las Animas County Including Pinon Canyon-
Bent County Including Las Animas-Prowers County Including Lamar-
Baca County Including Springfield and Eastern Comanche Grasslands-
321 PM MDT Fri Mar 16 2018

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM MDT THIS EVENING
FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES
233...235...236 AND 237...
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 7 PM MDT SATURDAY FOR
GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES
233...235...236 AND 237...

The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a Red Flag
Warning for gusty winds and low relative humidity, which is in
effect from noon to 7 PM MDT Saturday. The Fire Weather Watch is
no longer in effect.

* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zones 233...235...236 and 237.

* Winds...West to northwest through early this evening at 15 to 25
  mph with some gusts up to 30 mph. On Saturday, south winds 15 
  to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* Relative Humidity...As low as 7 percent.

* Impacts...Conditions will be favorable for the rapid ignition, 
  growth and spread of fires.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels may contribute
to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

COZ222-224>232-170100-
/O.CON.KPUB.FW.W.0015.000000T0000Z-180317T0100Z/
Fremont County Including Canon City/Howard/Texas Creek-
San Luis Valley Including Alamosa/Del Norte/Fort Garland/Saguache-
Southern Front Range Including Sangre De Cristo Mountains/Wet
Mountains/La Veta Pass-
Northern El Paso County Including Monument and Black Forest-
Southern El Paso County Including Fort Carson and Colorado
Springs-Pueblo County Including Pueblo-
Huerfano County Including Walsenburg-
Western Las Animas County Including Trinidad and Thatcher-
Crowley County Including Ordway-
Otero County Including La Junta and Western Comanche Grasslands-
321 PM MDT Fri Mar 16 2018

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM MDT THIS EVENING
FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES
222...224...225...226...227...228...229...230...231 AND 232...

* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zones 222...224...225...226... 
  227...228...229...230...231 and 232.

* Winds...West 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 40 to 45 mph.

* Relative Humidity...As low as 6 percent.

* Impacts...Conditions will be favorable for the rapid ignition, 
  growth and spread of fires.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$
4 follow-up statements
295 
WWUS85 KPUB 170045
RFWPUB

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
645 PM MDT Fri Mar 16 2018

...The Red Flag Warning for fire weather zones 222 and 224 
through 237 which includes the San Luis Valley, the lower 
elevations of the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains, Fremont 
County, the I-25 corridor and all of the southeast Colorado 
plains will expire at 7 pm this evening. 

...A Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon until 7 PM Saturday 
for gusty winds, low humidity and dry fuels for fire weather zones
233, and 235 through 237, which includes Bent, Prowers, eastern 
Las Animas and Baca Counties...

COZ233-235>237-171645-
/O.EXP.KPUB.FW.W.0015.000000T0000Z-180317T0100Z/
/O.CON.KPUB.FW.W.0016.180317T1800Z-180318T0100Z/
Eastern Las Animas County Including Pinon Canyon-
Bent County Including Las Animas-Prowers County Including Lamar-
Baca County Including Springfield and Eastern Comanche Grasslands-
645 PM MDT Fri Mar 16 2018

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS in effect from noon until 7 PM MDT 
SATURDAY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 233... 235...236 AND 237...

...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 7 PM MDT THIS 
EVENING FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 233...235...236 AND 237...

* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zones 233...235...236 and 237.

* Winds early this evening will decrease significantly after
  sunset. 

* Winds tomorrow will be from the south 10 to 20 mph with gusts 
  up to 35 mph.

* Relative Humidity will increase tonight to 50 to 70 percent.

* Relative Humidity tomorrow will be as low as 10 to 15 percent. 

* Impacts...Conditions will be favorable for the rapid ignition, 
  growth and spread of fires.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels may contribute
to extreme fire behavior.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

COZ222-224>232-234-170145-
/O.EXP.KPUB.FW.W.0015.000000T0000Z-180317T0100Z/
Fremont County Including Canon City/Howard/Texas Creek-
San Luis Valley Including Alamosa/Del Norte/Fort Garland/Saguache-
Southern Front Range Including Sangre De Cristo Mountains/Wet
Mountains/La Veta Pass-
Northern El Paso County Including Monument and Black Forest-
Southern El Paso County Including Fort Carson and Colorado
Springs-Pueblo County Including Pueblo-
Huerfano County Including Walsenburg-
Western Las Animas County Including Trinidad and Thatcher-
Crowley County Including Ordway-
Otero County Including La Junta and Western Comanche Grasslands-
Kiowa County Including Eads-
645 PM MDT Fri Mar 16 2018

...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 7 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR FIRE
WEATHER ZONES 222...224...225...226...227...228...229...230...231...232
AND 234...

Winds will significantly decrease after sunset and humidity values
will increase to 50 to 70 percent later tonight. 

$$

Hodanish
310 
WWUS85 KPUB 171035
RFWPUB

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
435 AM MDT Sat Mar 17 2018

...A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 AM to 7 PM today for
gusty winds, low humidity and dry fuels for fire weather zones
225, 229, 230 and 233 which includes Las Animas County, Huerfano 
County and the lower slopes of the Sangre de Cristo and Wet 
Mountains...

...A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 3 PM to 7 PM today for 
gusty winds, low humidity and dry fuels for fire weather zones 
228, 231, 232 and 235 which includes Pueblo, Crowley, Otero and 
Bent Counties...

COZ236-237-171145-
/O.CAN.KPUB.FW.W.0016.180317T1800Z-180318T0100Z/
Prowers County Including Lamar-
Baca County Including Springfield and Eastern Comanche Grasslands-
435 AM MDT Sat Mar 17 2018

...RED FLAG WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE
HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 236 AND 237...

The National Weather Service in Pueblo has cancelled the Red Flag
Warning for fire weather zones 236 and 237.

It no longer appears that this area will meet Red Flag criteria
today. The focus for critical fire weather conditions has shifted
westward.

$$

COZ225-229-230-180100-
/O.EXB.KPUB.FW.W.0016.180317T1700Z-180318T0100Z/
Southern Front Range Including Sangre De Cristo Mountains/Wet
Mountains/La Veta Pass-Huerfano County Including Walsenburg-
Western Las Animas County Including Trinidad and Thatcher-
435 AM MDT Sat Mar 17 2018

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM MDT
THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE
WEATHER ZONES 225...229 AND 230...

The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a Red Flag
Warning for gusty winds and low relative humidity, which is in
effect from 11 AM this morning to 7 PM MDT this evening.

* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zones 225...229 and 230.

* Winds...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* Relative Humidity...As low as 8 percent.

* Impacts...Conditions will be favorable for the rapid ignition, 
  growth and spread of fires.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels may contribute
to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

COZ228-231-232-180100-
/O.EXB.KPUB.FW.W.0016.180317T2100Z-180318T0100Z/
Pueblo County Including Pueblo-Crowley County Including Ordway-
Otero County Including La Junta and Western Comanche Grasslands-
435 AM MDT Sat Mar 17 2018

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7 PM
MDT THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR
FIRE WEATHER ZONES 228...231 AND 232...

The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a Red Flag
Warning for gusty winds and low relative humidity, which is in
effect from 3 PM this afternoon to 7 PM MDT this evening.

* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zones 228...231 and 232.

* Winds...Southwest to southeast 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30
  mph.

* Relative Humidity...As low as 7 percent.

* Impacts...Conditions will be favorable for the rapid ignition, 
  growth and spread of fires.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels may contribute
to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

COZ233-180100-
/O.EXT.KPUB.FW.W.0016.180317T1700Z-180318T0100Z/
Eastern Las Animas County Including Pinon Canyon-
435 AM MDT Sat Mar 17 2018

...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM
MDT THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR
FIRE WEATHER ZONE 233...

* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zone 233.

* Winds...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* Relative Humidity...As low as 8 percent.

* Impacts...Conditions will be favorable for the rapid ignition, 
  growth and spread of fires.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels may contribute
to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

COZ235-180100-
/O.EXT.KPUB.FW.W.0016.180317T2100Z-180318T0100Z/
Bent County Including Las Animas-
435 AM MDT Sat Mar 17 2018

...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
7 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY
FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 235...

* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zone 235.

* Winds...Southeast 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* Relative Humidity...As low as 7 percent.

* Impacts...Conditions will be favorable for the rapid ignition, 
  growth and spread of fires.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels may contribute
to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$
905 
WWUS85 KPUB 172113
RFWPUB

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
313 PM MDT Sat Mar 17 2018

...A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 7 PM today for gusty 
winds, low humidity and dry fuels for fire weather zones 225, 228
through 233 and 235, which includes Las Animas, Huerfano, 
Crowley, Otero, and Bent counties, and the lower slopes of the 
Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains...


COZ225-229-230-233-180100-
/O.CON.KPUB.FW.W.0016.000000T0000Z-180318T0100Z/
Southern Front Range Including Sangre De Cristo Mountains/Wet
Mountains/La Veta Pass-Huerfano County Including Walsenburg-
Western Las Animas County Including Trinidad and Thatcher-
Eastern Las Animas County Including Pinon Canyon-
313 PM MDT Sat Mar 17 2018

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM MDT THIS EVENING
FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES
225...229 AND 230...

* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zones 225...229...230 and 233.

* Winds...Southwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

* Relative Humidity...As low as 9 percent.

* Impacts...Conditions will be favorable for the rapid ignition, 
  growth and spread of fires.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels may contribute
to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

COZ228-231-232-235-180100-
/O.CON.KPUB.FW.W.0016.000000T0000Z-180318T0100Z/
Pueblo County Including Pueblo-Crowley County Including Ordway-
Otero County Including La Junta and Western Comanche Grasslands-
Bent County Including Las Animas-
313 PM MDT Sat Mar 17 2018

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM MDT THIS EVENING
FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES
228...231 AND 232...

* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zones 228...231...232 and 235.

* Winds...South 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* Relative Humidity...As low as 8 percent.

* Impacts...Conditions will be favorable for the rapid ignition, 
  growth and spread of fires.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels may contribute
to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$
456 
WWUS85 KPUB 180052
RFWPUB

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
652 PM MDT Sat Mar 17 2018

...Red Flag Warning will expire at 7 PM MDT this evening...

COZ225-229-230-233-180200-
/O.EXP.KPUB.FW.W.0016.000000T0000Z-180318T0100Z/
Southern Front Range Including Sangre De Cristo Mountains/Wet
Mountains/La Veta Pass-Huerfano County Including Walsenburg-
Western Las Animas County Including Trinidad and Thatcher-
Eastern Las Animas County Including Pinon Canyon-
652 PM MDT Sat Mar 17 2018

...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 7 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR FIRE
WEATHER ZONES 225...229...230 AND 233...

Temperatures will continue to cool this evening and in 
combination with increasing humidity levels, will allow Red Flag 
Warning to expire at 7 PM MST. 

$$

COZ228-231-232-235-180200-
/O.EXP.KPUB.FW.W.0016.000000T0000Z-180318T0100Z/
Pueblo County Including Pueblo-Crowley County Including Ordway-
Otero County Including La Junta and Western Comanche Grasslands-
Bent County Including Las Animas-
652 PM MDT Sat Mar 17 2018

...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 7 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR FIRE
WEATHER ZONES 228...231...232 AND 235...

Temperatures will continue to cool this evening and in 
combination with increasing humidity levels, will allow Red Flag 
Warning to expire at 7 PM MST.

$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS Pueblo, CO issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Mar 16, 4:10 AM MDTFire Weather WatchPUBBaca, Bent, Kiowa, Las Animas, Prowers11 hr

Nearby

Red Flag Warnings in Colorado, 2018Every red flag warning in 2018

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.