Alert archive / Colorado / Red Flag Warnings in 2024

Red Flag Warning 35, NWS Pueblo, CO

May 5, 202411 counties in Colorado

NWS Pueblo, CO issued this red flag warning at May 5, 2024, 3:57 AM MDT for 11 counties in Colorado. It took effect at May 6, 2024, 10:00 AM MDT. It was in force for 12 hr. 3 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
May 5, 2024, 3:57 AM MDT (09:57 UTC)
In effect from
May 6, 2024, 10:00 AM MDT
Expired
May 6, 2024, 10:00 PM MDT
In force
12 hr
Issued by
NWS Pueblo, CO

Counties Alamosa County, CO, Baca County, CO, Conejos County, CO, Costilla County, CO, Custer County, CO, Huerfano County, CO, Las Animas County, CO, Otero County, CO, Pueblo County, CO, Rio Grande County, CO, Saguache County, CO

The radar

The Pueblo radar (KPUX), 116 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 10:00 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.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
May 6, 10:16 AM MDTNON-TSTM WND GST 605 Ene Blende, CO
May 6, 12:55 PM MDTNON-TSTM WND GST 674 S Weston, COAWOS station 3CO4 4 S Weston.
May 6, 1:00 PM MDTNON-TSTM WND GST 585 Nne Pueblo West, COMesonet station GW3678 PUEBLO WEST.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

Albuquerq/Krtlnd, NM (KABQ), launched 00:00Z, 10.0 hours before the alert went out and 322 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, Albuquerq/Krtlnd, NM at 00:00Z on 2024-05-05Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 50 joules per kilogram.LCLEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Albuquerq/Krtlnd, NM at 00:00Z on 2024-05-05The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 8 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
50 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-8 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
3265 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
24 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
8 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
62 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

231 
WWUS85 KPUB 050957
RFWPUB

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
357 AM MDT Sun May 5 2024

COZ224-060200-
/O.UPG.KPUB.FW.A.0032.240506T1600Z-240507T0400Z/
/O.NEW.KPUB.FW.W.0035.240506T1600Z-240507T0400Z/
/O.CON.KPUB.FW.W.0034.240505T2000Z-240506T0100Z/
San Luis Valley Including Alamosa/Del Norte/Fort Garland/Saguache-
357 AM MDT Sun May 5 2024

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
7 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY
FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 224...

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM MDT MONDAY FOR
GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 224...

The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a Red Flag
Warning for gusty winds and low relative humidity, which is in
effect from 10 AM to 10 PM MDT Monday. The Fire Weather Watch is 
no longer in effect.

* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zone 224.

* Winds...Southwest 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

* Relative Humidity...As low as 10 percent.

* Impacts...Conditions will be favorable for rapid rates of fire 
  growth and spread.

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.

&&

$$

COZ225-232-233-237-060200-
/O.UPG.KPUB.FW.A.0032.240506T1600Z-240507T0400Z/
/O.NEW.KPUB.FW.W.0035.240506T1600Z-240507T0400Z/
Southern Front Range Including Sangre De Cristo Mountains/Wet
Mountains/La Veta Pass-
Otero County Including La Junta and Western Comanche Grasslands-
Eastern Las Animas County Including Pinon Canyon-
Baca County Including Springfield and Eastern Comanche Grasslands-
357 AM MDT Sun May 5 2024

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM MDT MONDAY FOR
GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 225,
232, 233, 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 10 AM to 10 PM MDT Monday. The Fire Weather Watch is
no longer in effect.

* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zones 225, 232, 233 and 237.

* Winds...On Monday...West 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.

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

* Impacts...Conditions will be favorable for rapid rates of fire 
  growth and spread.

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.

&&

$$
5 follow-up statements
589 
WWUS85 KPUB 052035
RFWPUB

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
235 PM MDT Sun May 5 2024

COZ224-061245-
/O.NEW.KPUB.FW.A.0033.240507T1500Z-240508T0400Z/
/O.CON.KPUB.FW.W.0034.000000T0000Z-240506T0100Z/
/O.CON.KPUB.FW.W.0035.240506T1600Z-240507T0400Z/
San Luis Valley Including Alamosa/Del Norte/Fort Garland/Saguache-
235 PM MDT Sun May 5 2024

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM MDT THIS EVENING
FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE
224...
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM MDT
MONDAY FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER
ZONE 224...
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR
FIRE WEATHER ZONE 224...

The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a Fire Weather
Watch for gusty winds and low relative humidity, which is in
effect from Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening.

* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zone 224.

* Winds...Southwest 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.

* Relative Humidity...As low as 11 percent.

* Impacts...Conditions will be favorable for rapid rates of fire 
  growth and spread.

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.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

COZ225-232-233-237-061245-
/O.NEW.KPUB.FW.A.0033.240507T1500Z-240508T0400Z/
/O.CON.KPUB.FW.W.0035.240506T1600Z-240507T0400Z/
Southern Front Range Including Sangre De Cristo Mountains/Wet
Mountains/La Veta Pass-
Otero County Including La Junta and Western Comanche Grasslands-
Eastern Las Animas County Including Pinon Canyon-
Baca County Including Springfield and Eastern Comanche Grasslands-
235 PM MDT Sun May 5 2024

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM MDT
MONDAY FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER
ZONES 225, 232, 233, AND 237...
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR
FIRE WEATHER ZONES 225, 232, 233, AND 237...

The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a Fire Weather
Watch for gusty winds and low relative humidity, which is in
effect from Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening.

* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zones 225, 232, 233 and 237.

* Winds...West 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph.

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

* Impacts...Conditions will be favorable for rapid rates of fire 
  growth and spread.

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.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$
787 
WWUS85 KPUB 060038
RFWPUB

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
638 PM MDT Sun May 5 2024


COZ224-061645-
/O.EXP.KPUB.FW.W.0034.000000T0000Z-240506T0100Z/
/O.CON.KPUB.FW.W.0035.240506T1600Z-240507T0400Z/
/O.CON.KPUB.FW.A.0033.240507T1500Z-240508T0400Z/
San Luis Valley Including Alamosa/Del Norte/Fort Garland/Saguache-
638 PM MDT Sun May 5 2024

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM MDT
MONDAY FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER
ZONE 224...
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING
THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY
FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 224...
...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 7 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR
GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 224...

* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zone 224.

* Winds...Southwest 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.

* Relative Humidity...As low as 11 percent.

* Impacts...Conditions will be favorable for rapid rates of fire 
  growth and spread.

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.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

COZ225-232-233-237-061645-
/O.CON.KPUB.FW.W.0035.240506T1600Z-240507T0400Z/
/O.CON.KPUB.FW.A.0033.240507T1500Z-240508T0400Z/
Southern Front Range Including Sangre De Cristo Mountains/Wet
Mountains/La Veta Pass-
Otero County Including La Junta and Western Comanche Grasslands-
Eastern Las Animas County Including Pinon Canyon-
Baca County Including Springfield and Eastern Comanche Grasslands-
638 PM MDT Sun May 5 2024

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM MDT
MONDAY FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER
ZONES 225, 232, 233, AND 237...
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING
THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY
FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 225, 232, 233, AND 237...

* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zones 225, 232, 233 and 237.

* Winds...West 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph.

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

* Impacts...Conditions will be favorable for rapid rates of fire 
  growth and spread.

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.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$
581 
WWUS85 KPUB 060944
RFWPUB

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
344 AM MDT Mon May 6 2024

COZ224-225-232-233-070145-
/O.UPG.KPUB.FW.A.0033.240507T1500Z-240508T0400Z/
/O.NEW.KPUB.FW.W.0036.240507T1500Z-240508T0400Z/
/O.NEW.KPUB.FW.A.0034.240508T1700Z-240509T0300Z/
/O.CON.KPUB.FW.W.0035.240506T1600Z-240507T0400Z/
San Luis Valley Including Alamosa/Del Norte/Fort Garland/Saguache-
Southern Front Range Including Sangre De Cristo Mountains/Wet
Mountains/La Veta Pass-
Otero County Including La Junta and Western Comanche Grasslands-
Eastern Las Animas County Including Pinon Canyon-
344 AM MDT Mon May 6 2024

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO
10 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY
FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 224, 225, 232, AND 233...

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 10 PM MDT TUESDAY FOR
GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 224,
225, 232, AND 233...

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH
WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR
FIRE WEATHER ZONES 224, 225, 232, AND 233...

The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a Red Flag
Warning for gusty winds and low relative humidity, which is in
effect from 9 AM to 10 PM MDT Tuesday. A Fire Weather Watch has
also been issued. This Fire Weather Watch for gusty winds and low
relative humidity is in effect from Wednesday morning through
Wednesday evening. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zones 224, 225, 232 and 233.

* Winds...West 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 70 mph. The strongest
  winds will occur along the east slopes of the mountains and the
  southern I-25 corridor. 

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

* Impacts...Conditions will be favorable for rapid rates of fire 
  growth and spread.

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.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

COZ237-070145-
/O.UPG.KPUB.FW.A.0033.240507T1500Z-240508T0400Z/
/O.NEW.KPUB.FW.W.0036.240507T1500Z-240508T0400Z/
/O.CON.KPUB.FW.W.0035.240506T1600Z-240507T0400Z/
Baca County Including Springfield and Eastern Comanche Grasslands-
344 AM MDT Mon May 6 2024

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO
10 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY
FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 237...

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 10 PM MDT TUESDAY FOR
GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 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 9 AM to 10 PM MDT Tuesday. The Fire Weather Watch is
no longer in effect.

* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zone 237.

* Winds...West 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.

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

* Impacts...Conditions will be favorable for rapid rates of fire 
  growth and spread.

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.

&&

$$
970 
WWUS85 KPUB 062043
RFWPUB

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
243 PM MDT Mon May 6 2024

COZ224-225-232-233-071245-
/O.CON.KPUB.FW.W.0035.000000T0000Z-240507T0400Z/
/O.CON.KPUB.FW.W.0036.240507T1500Z-240508T0400Z/
/O.CON.KPUB.FW.A.0034.240508T1700Z-240509T0300Z/
San Luis Valley Including Alamosa/Del Norte/Fort Garland/Saguache-
Southern Front Range Including Sangre De Cristo Mountains/Wet
Mountains/La Veta Pass-
Otero County Including La Junta and Western Comanche Grasslands-
Eastern Las Animas County Including Pinon Canyon-
243 PM MDT Mon May 6 2024

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM MDT THIS
EVENING FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 224, 225, 232, AND 233...

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 10 PM MDT
TUESDAY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 224, 225, 232, AND 233...

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING
THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 224, 225, 232, 
AND 233...

* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zones 224, 225, 232 and 233.

* Winds...West 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph.

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

* Impacts...Conditions will be favorable for rapid rates of fire 
  growth and spread.

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.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

COZ237-071245-
/O.CON.KPUB.FW.W.0035.000000T0000Z-240507T0400Z/
/O.CON.KPUB.FW.W.0036.240507T1500Z-240508T0400Z/
Baca County Including Springfield and Eastern Comanche Grasslands-
243 PM MDT Mon May 6 2024

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM MDT THIS
EVENING FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 237...

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 10 PM MDT
TUESDAY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 237...

* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zone 237.

* Winds...West 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.

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

* Impacts...Conditions will be favorable for rapid rates of fire 
  growth and spread.

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.

&&

$$
203 
WWUS85 KPUB 070352
RFWPUB

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
952 PM MDT Mon May 6 2024


COZ224-225-232-233-072000-
/O.EXP.KPUB.FW.W.0035.000000T0000Z-240507T0400Z/
/O.CON.KPUB.FW.W.0036.240507T1500Z-240508T0400Z/
/O.CON.KPUB.FW.A.0034.240508T1700Z-240509T0300Z/
San Luis Valley Including Alamosa/Del Norte/Fort Garland/Saguache-
Southern Front Range Including Sangre De Cristo Mountains/Wet
Mountains/La Veta Pass-
Otero County Including La Junta and Western Comanche Grasslands-
Eastern Las Animas County Including Pinon Canyon-
952 PM MDT Mon May 6 2024

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 10 PM MDT
TUESDAY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 224, 225, 232, AND 233...
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING
THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 224, 225, 232,
AND 233...
...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 10 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR
FIRE WEATHER ZONES 224, 225, 232, AND 233...

* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zones 224, 225, 232 and 233.

* Winds...West 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph.

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

* Impacts...Conditions will be favorable for rapid rates of fire 
  growth and spread.

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.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

COZ237-072000-
/O.EXP.KPUB.FW.W.0035.000000T0000Z-240507T0400Z/
/O.CON.KPUB.FW.W.0036.240507T1500Z-240508T0400Z/
Baca County Including Springfield and Eastern Comanche Grasslands-
952 PM MDT Mon May 6 2024

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 10 PM MDT
TUESDAY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 237...
...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 10 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR
FIRE WEATHER ZONE 237...

* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zone 237.

* Winds...West 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.

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

* Impacts...Conditions will be favorable for rapid rates of fire 
  growth and spread.

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.

&&

$$

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this red flag warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Pueblo, CO wrote its last area forecast discussion before this red flag warning went out at May 4, 11:40 PM MDT, 4 hours 17 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Critical fire weather for the San Luis Valley Sunday.
  • Very strong winds, with blowing dust possible for the San Luis Valley and plains late Sunday through Monday.
  • Wind driven snow Continental Divide Sunday night through early Monday with strong winds and high fire danger Monday lower elevations.
  • Wetter and cooler pattern late week into next weekend
Area forecast discussion, May 4, 11:40 PM MDT, 4 hours 17 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
1140 PM MDT Sat May 4 2024

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Critical fire weather for the San Luis Valley Sunday.

- Very strong winds, with blowing dust possible for the San Luis
  Valley and plains late Sunday through Monday.

- Wind driven snow Continental Divide Sunday night through early
  Monday with strong winds and high fire danger Monday lower
  elevations.

- Wetter and cooler pattern late week into next weekend

&&

.UPDATE...
Issued at 743 PM MDT Sat May 4 2024

Updated forecast to expire the RFW which was previously in
effect for the San Luis Valley earlier today. \/Hodanish

&&

.SHORT TERM /THROUGH SUNDAY/...
Issued at 240 PM MDT Sat May 4 2024

Currently and through tonight...

Scattered showers and thunderstorms area beginning to develop over
portions of the higher terrain due to residual moisture in place,
and mechanical lift ahead of the next approaching major shortwave
trough, as well as orographic lifting. These showers/storms are not
expected to become severe, given that the mid-levels are only
moderately (conditionally) unstable, and will continue to move off
towards the northeast and over the adjacent valleys and plains. There
will be a few showers and possibly a storm that makes its way over
portions of the I-25 corridor, however, since the lower levels of
the plains are much more stable, these should continue to dissipate
as they head further east. That being said, the collapsing cells may
produce some gusty outflow winds, especially if a few of the
showers/storms end up being on the stronger side.

It will remain mostly cloudy over a majority of the CWA throughout
the night, which will help to keep the lows more modified. In
addition, winds will begin to increase out of the southeast over the
plains, allowing for mixing to also keep the temperatures more on
the mild side. Because of this, lows will only drop into the 40s
across most of the plains, and generally be in the 20s and 30s for
high country.

Tomorrow...

As the major shortwave trough continues to approach from the west,
there will be an increase of winds out of the south-southeast over
the plains and south-southwest across the higher terrain, which will
become quite strong by later in the afternoon. As a 700 mb jet
begins to move over the region, winds at the surface will be further
enhanced. Winds are going to become especially strong and gusty for
the San Luis Valley, with relative humidities hovering right around
the threshold. Due to this, critical fire weather conditions will be
widespread for several hours and there is now a Red Flag Warning in
effect for the SLV from 2 PM to 7 PM. There could be gusts of 55
mph possible, and some areas of blowing dust in the San Luis
Valley and across the plains. There will also be increasing snow
with the southwesterly mid-level flow, with blowing snow and
severely reduced visibilities at times across the higher terrain
and mountain passes. With the downsloping winds within the lower-
elevation valleys and plains, temperatures will be slightly more
mild, making it into the low 70s for the San Luis Valley and low
to mid 80s for portions of the plains, mainly within the lower
Arkansas River Valley. For high country, with increasing clouds
and snow, temperatures will be relatively cooler in comparison.
-Stewey

&&

.LONG TERM /SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY/...
Issued at 240 PM MDT Sat May 4 2024

Upper low over the Great Basin swings through western and northern
CO Sunday night/Early Monday with a brief round of wind driven snow
likely for the Continental Divide, and a brief hit of strong winds
for the lower elevations late Sunday through Monday morning as the
bora cold front moves through.  Main concern will be high to extreme
fire danger, especially for the San Luis Valley and the grasslands
south of highway 50 across the plains where fuels are deemed
critical by land management agencies.  A Fire Weather Watch will
be issued for Monday with the afternoon package for this region.

A secondary risk for damaging wind gusts may also accompany the cold
front as it crosses the mountains 09z-18z Monday morning.  HREF is
starting to resolve this, showing a 50-75%+ probability for west
wind gusts 58 mph or greater spreading into the southern I-25
corridor of Huerfano county early Monday morning. Elsewhere
probabilities are below 10-20% and much of the event is still not
resolved by HREF beyond 6 AM Monday.  NBM is much hotter with the
potential for gusts 58 mph or greater in the 70-90%+ range all along
the I-25 corridor from 09z-18z.  However, NBM has had a high bias
with wind gusts all winter and would like to see more HREF members
resolve the full event before hoisting any high wind watches.  For
now think the greatest risk area will be south of hwy 50 and
confined to the I-25 corridor counties for a brief time as the front
crosses the mountains early Monday morning.

Storm is fast moving so probabilities for over 3" or more of snow
accumulation is sitting at 40% or less along the Continental Divide
through Monday morning with the greatest probabilities across the
central mountains. The wind driven nature to the snow could lean
this event towards winter weather advisory impacts Sunday night
through early Monday for the Continental Divide.  Will continue to
monitor trends but leave highlights for the next shift given current
model spread and uncertainties.

It will be windy and dry again for Tuesday with critical fire
weather conditions likely returning across the San Luis Valley and
southern plains.  Strong forward shear suggests trapped waves with
higher gusts staying across the higher elevations in spite of the
over exuberant NBM wind probabilities. Will have to see how this
resolves a sufficient mixing could result in some near high wind
criteria along the I-25 corridor. A passing wave to the north will
send a cold front southward through the plains Tuesday night/early
Wednesday which should cool us down again. Lighter winds can be
expected on Wednesday as a broad trough/upper low takes shape across
NV/UT Wednesday night and Thursday before gradually filling as it
wobbles around across the Western U.S through Friday. There is still
low confidence in the track of this system but overall trend will be
towards cooler and wetter conditions into the weekend. Operational
GFS is still the wettest and looks overdone with some overrunning
precipitation Thursday night/Friday morning given the large scale
pattern and relatively weak flow aloft.  This solution seems to lean
towards the 90th percentile of NBM members. Overall the cool
unsettled pattern will last into next weekend as the upper low
lingers out west. Will likely see some light snow accumulations
across the mountains down to 8500 feet. -KT

&&

.AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z MONDAY/...
Issued at 1140 PM MDT Sat May 4 2024

Main concern the next 24 hours will be gusty winds. Of special note,
the winds will likely keep up after sunset tomorrow and could be
quite gusty through tomorrow night. Overall, expect VFR conditions
at all 3 taf sites, KPUB, KALS and KCOS, the next 24 hours. By mid
to late morning, gusty south to southwest winds are expected, with
gusts to 25 to 35 knots during the afternoon time periods.

&&

.PUB WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Red Flag Warning from 2 PM to 7 PM MDT Sunday for COZ224.
Fire Weather Watch from Monday morning through Monday evening
for COZ224-225-232-233-237.

&&

UPDATE...HODANISH
SHORT TERM...STEWARD
LONG TERM...KT
AVIATION...HODANISH
Hazardous weather outlook, May 4, 11:54 AM MDT, 16 hours 3 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
1154 AM MDT Sat May 4 2024

COZ058>089-093>099-051800-
Western Mosquito Range/East Lake County Above 11000 Feet-
Leadville Vicinity/Lake County Below 11000 Feet-
Eastern Sawatch Mountains Above 11000 Feet-
Western Chaffee County Between 9000 and 11000 Feet-
Central Chaffee County Below 9000 Feet-
Western Mosquito Range/East Chaffee County Above 9000 Feet-
Saguache County West of Continental Divide Below 10000 Feet-
Saguache County East of Continental Divide Below 10000 Feet-
La Garita Mountains Above 10000 Feet-
Upper Rio Grande Valley/Eastern San Juan Mountains Below
10000 Feet-Eastern San Juan Mountains Above 10000 Feet-
Del Norte Vicinity/Northern San Luis Valley Below 8500 Feet-
Alamosa  Vicinity/Central San Luis Valley Below 8500 Feet-
Southern San Luis Valley-
Northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains Between 8500 And 11000 Feet-
Northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains Above 11000 Feet-
Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains Between 7500 and 11000 Feet-
Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains Above 11000 Feet-
Northwestern Fremont County Above 8500 Feet-
Western/Central Fremont County Below 8500 Feet-
Wet Mountain Valley Below 8500 Feet-
Wet Mountains between 6300 and 10000 Feet-
Wet Mountains Above 10000 Feet-
Teller County/Rampart Range Above 7500 Feet/Pikes Peak Between
7500 And 11000 Feet-Pikes Peak Above 11000 Feet-
Canon City Vicinity/Eastern Fremont County-
Northern El Paso County/Monument Ridge/Rampart Range Below
7500 Feet-
Colorado Springs Vicinity/Southern El Paso County/Rampart Range
Below 7400 Feet-Pueblo Vicinity/Pueblo County Below 6300 Feet-
Walsenburg Vicinity/Upper Huerfano River Basin Below 7500 Feet-
Trinidad Vicinity/Western Las Animas County Below 7500 Feet-
Crowley County-La Junta Vicinity/Otero County-
Eastern Las Animas County-Western Kiowa County-
Eastern Kiowa County-Las Animas Vicinity/Bent County-
Lamar Vicinity/Prowers County-Springfield Vicinity/Baca County-
1154 AM MDT Sat May 4 2024

This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of central...east
central...south central and southeast Colorado.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms will be possible
across the higher terrain and immediate adjacent locations. Gusty
outflow winds may accompany any stronger storms.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday

Increasing west to southwest flow will bring snow and blowing snow
to the higher terrain along and west of the Continental Divide Sunday
night and Monday. Snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches will be possible
by Monday morning. The snow, combined with gusty westerly winds, will
create hazardous travel conditions across the higher terrain of the
Continental Divide Sunday night and Monday.

Strong and gusty westerly winds over the higher terrain Sunday
night, will move east across the high mountain valleys through
the Eastern mountains and Plains through the day Monday, with
critical fire weather conditions and high fire danger expected
across much of area into Monday evening.

Breezy westerly winds to persist through mid week, keeping
fire danger high, especially across the San Luis Valley, before
cooler, unsettled and less windy weather takes hold across the
area for Thursday into the end of next week.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters will not be needed today or tonight.

STEWARD/31

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 5, 3:46 AM MDTHigh Wind WatchPUBAlamosa, Chaffee, Costilla, Custer, El Paso, Fremont and 5 more10 hr
May 5, 1:18 PM MDTHigh Wind WarningPUBAlamosa, Chaffee, Costilla, Custer, El Paso, Fremont and 5 more26 hr
May 5, 2:35 PM MDTFire Weather WatchPUBAlamosa, Baca, Conejos, Costilla, Custer, Huerfano and 5 more13 hr
May 5, 2:37 PM MDTWinter Weather AdvisoryPUBChaffee, Conejos, Lake, Mineral, Rio Grande, Saguache19 hr

Nearby

Red Flag Warnings in Colorado, 2024Every red flag warning in 2024

Sources

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