Alert archive / Colorado / Red Flag Warnings in 2026
Red Flag Warning 4, NWS Denver/Boulder, CO
NWS Denver/Boulder, CO issued this red flag warning at Jan 15, 2026, 10:01 AM MST for 16 counties in Colorado. It took effect at Jan 16, 2026, 9:00 AM MST. It was in force for 9 hr. 60 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
- Jan 15, 2026, 10:01 AM MST (17:01 UTC)
- In effect from
- Jan 16, 2026, 9:00 AM MST
- Expired
- Jan 16, 2026, 6:00 PM MST
- In force
- 9 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Denver/Boulder, CO
Counties Adams County, CO, Arapahoe County, CO, Boulder County, CO, Broomfield County, CO, Denver County, CO, Douglas County, CO, Elbert County, CO, Jefferson County, CO, Larimer County, CO, Lincoln County, CO, Logan County, CO, Morgan County, CO, Phillips County, CO, Sedgwick County, CO, Washington County, CO, Weld County, CO
The radar
The Denver radar (KFTG), 42 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 17:01 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
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 16, 9:24 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 2 Ene Wiggins, CO | Mesonet station CO039 Wiggins Bijou Creek. |
| Jan 16, 9:44 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 67 | 3 S Cedar Point, CO | Mesonet station CO066 Cedar Point. |
| Jan 16, 9:44 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 67 | 3 S Cedar Point, CO | Mesonet station CO066 Cedar Point. |
| Jan 16, 9:45 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 56 | North Sterling Reservoi, CO | Mesonet station TT562 North Sterling. |
| Jan 16, 9:45 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 56 | North Sterling Reservoi, CO | Mesonet station TT562 North Sterling. |
| Jan 16, 9:46 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 61 | 3 Ese Limon, CO | Mesonet station UP731 3.2 SE Limon (UPR). |
| Jan 16, 9:46 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 61 | 3 Ese Limon, CO | Mesonet station UP731 3.2 SE Limon (UPR). |
| Jan 16, 9:58 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 75 | 1 E Limon, CO | ASOS station KLIC Limon. |
| Jan 16, 9:58 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 75 | 1 E Limon, CO | ASOS station KLIC Limon. |
| Jan 16, 10:09 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 68 | 5 Nnw Nunn, CO | Mesonet station UP718 4.9 N Nunn (UPR). |
| Jan 16, 10:15 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 55 | 5 Se Sterling, CO | Mesonet station STG02 Sterling. |
| Jan 16, 10:15 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 55 | 5 Se Sterling, CO | Mesonet station STG02 Sterling. |
| Jan 16, 10:30 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 63 | 2 W Mishawaka, CO | Mesonet station GW4629 LIVERMORE. |
| Jan 16, 10:30 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 63 | 2 W Mishawaka, CO | Mesonet station GW4629 LIVERMORE. |
| Jan 16, 10:45 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 61 | 7 Ssw Hugo, CO | Mesonet station EW9214 Hugo. |
| Jan 16, 10:45 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 61 | 7 Ssw Hugo, CO | Mesonet station EW9214 Hugo. |
| Jan 16, 11:06 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 67 | 8 S Holyoke, CO | Mesonet station CO048 US 385 Holyoke. |
| Jan 16, 11:15 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 68 | 2 Nne Ovid, CO | Mesonet station UP469 2.3 NE Ovid (UPR). |
| Jan 16, 11:15 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 68 | 2 Nne Ovid, CO | Mesonet station UP469 2.3 NE Ovid (UPR). |
| Jan 16, 11:16 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 55 | 4 Wsw Johnstown, CO | Mesonet station CO037 I-25 Berthoud. |
| Jan 16, 11:16 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 55 | 4 Wsw Johnstown, CO | Mesonet station CO037 I-25 Berthoud. |
| Jan 16, 11:16 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | Nunn, CO | Mesonet station CO171 Nunn. |
| Jan 16, 11:20 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 63 | 3 Sw Holyoke, CO | Mesonet station AW276 HOLYOKE. |
| Jan 16, 11:22 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 74 | 1 Nnw Akron, CO | AWOS station KAKO Akron. |
| Jan 16, 11:22 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 74 | 1 Nnw Akron, CO | AWOS station KAKO Akron. |
| Jan 16, 11:25 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 59 | 5 N Pawnee Pass, CO | AWOS station K1MW Sterling 15 WNW. |
| Jan 16, 11:25 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 59 | 5 N Pawnee Pass, CO | AWOS station K1MW Sterling 15 WNW. |
| Jan 16, 11:32 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 57 | Red Feather Lakes, CO | Mesonet station RFRC2 Red Feather RAWS. |
| Jan 16, 11:32 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 57 | Red Feather Lakes, CO | Mesonet station RFRC2 Red Feather RAWS. |
| Jan 16, 11:35 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 76 | 3 Ese Buckeye, CO | Mesonet station BEYC2 Buckeye. |
| Jan 16, 11:36 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 78 | Virginia Dale, CO | Mesonet station CO036 Virginia Dale. |
| Jan 16, 11:36 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 78 | Virginia Dale, CO | Mesonet station CO036 Virginia Dale. |
| Jan 16, 11:37 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 57 | 2 Nne Natural Fort, CO | Mesonet station CO041 I-25 at Wyoming Border. |
| Jan 16, 11:37 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 71 | 6 Sw Carr, CO | Mesonet station CO166 I-25 and Buckeye Rd. |
| Jan 16, 11:37 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 71 | 6 Sw Carr, CO | Mesonet station CO166 I-25 and Buckeye Rd. |
| Jan 16, 11:41 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 62 | 1 Ene Milliken, CO | Mesonet station GW3548 MILLIKEN. |
| Jan 16, 11:41 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 62 | 1 Ene Milliken, CO | Mesonet station GW3548 MILLIKEN. |
| Jan 16, 11:43 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 59 | 1 Sse Eaton, CO | Mesonet station UP306 1.2 S Eaton (UPR). |
| Jan 16, 11:49 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 71 | 1 W Masters, CO | Mesonet station CO222 Dearfield. |
| Jan 16, 11:49 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 71 | 1 W Masters, CO | Mesonet station CO222 Dearfield. |
| Jan 16, 11:50 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 72 | 1 Nnw Briggsdale, CO | Mesonet station CO043 Briggsdale. |
| Jan 16, 11:50 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 72 | 1 Nnw Briggsdale, CO | Mesonet station CO043 Briggsdale. |
| Jan 16, 11:52 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 1 Ese Akron, CO | Mesonet station EW7755 Akron. |
| Jan 16, 11:52 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 1 Ese Akron, CO | Mesonet station EW7755 Akron. |
| Jan 16, 11:53 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 57 | 4 Sse Carr, CO | Mesonet station UP288 Carr South. |
| Jan 16, 11:54 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 61 | 4 Nw Kersey, CO | AWOS station KGXY Greeley Airport. |
| Jan 16, 11:54 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 61 | 4 Nw Kersey, CO | AWOS station KGXY Greeley Airport. |
| Jan 16, 11:55 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | 2 Se Holyoke, CO | AWOS station KHEQ Holyoke Airport. |
| Jan 16, 11:55 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | 2 Se Holyoke, CO | AWOS station KHEQ Holyoke Airport. |
| Jan 16, 11:55 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | 3 Wsw Sterling, CO | AWOS station KSTK Sterling. |
| Jan 16, 11:55 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | 3 Wsw Sterling, CO | AWOS station KSTK Sterling. |
| Jan 16, 11:56 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 55 | 1 W Severance, CO | Mesonet station EW7762 Severance. |
| Jan 16, 12:07 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 63 | Nunn, CO | Mesonet station CO171 Nunn. |
| Jan 16, 12:15 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 57 | 3 Nw Cornish, CO | Mesonet station EAT01 Eaton. |
| Jan 16, 12:24 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 70 | 1 Sse Eaton, CO | Mesonet station UP306 1.2 S Eaton (UPR). |
| Jan 16, 12:28 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 63 | 2 Ene Wiggins, CO | Mesonet station CO039 Wiggins Bijou Creek. |
| Jan 16, 12:29 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 69 | 5 Nnw Nunn, CO | Mesonet station UP718 4.9 N Nunn (UPR). |
| Jan 16, 12:35 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 67 | 3 Sw Holyoke, CO | Mesonet station AW276 HOLYOKE. |
| Jan 16, 12:35 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 77 | 3 Ese Buckeye, CO | Mesonet station BEYC2 Buckeye. |
| Jan 16, 12:40 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 55 | 3 Nw Livermore, CO | Mesonet station CKP01 Cherokee Park. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
The nearest sounding before it
Dodge City, (KDDC), launched 12:00Z, 5.0 hours before the alert went out and 445 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.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 0 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- No buoyant parcel
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 1367 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 61 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 242 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 239 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
038 WWUS85 KBOU 151701 RFWBOU URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Denver/Boulder CO 1001 AM MST Thu Jan 15 2026 COZ238-242>246-248-249-160100- /O.UPG.KBOU.FW.A.0004.260116T1600Z-260117T0100Z/ /O.NEW.KBOU.FW.W.0004.260116T1600Z-260117T0100Z/ /O.CON.KBOU.FW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-260116T0100Z/ Larimer County Below 6000 Feet/Northwest Weld County- Northeast Weld County-Central and South Weld County-Morgan County- Central and East Adams and Arapahoe Counties- North and Northeast Elbert County Below 6000 Feet/North Lincoln County-Logan County-Washington County- 1001 AM MST Thu Jan 15 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MST THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTHERN I-25 CORRIDOR AND MOST OF THE EASTERN PLAINS... ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM MST FRIDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTHERN I-25 CORRIDOR AND THE EASTERN PLAINS... The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 9 AM to 6 PM MST Friday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 238, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 248 and 249. * TIMING...For the first Red Flag Warning, until 6 PM MST this evening. For the second Red Flag Warning, from 9 AM to 6 PM MST Friday. * WINDS...For today, northwest winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts of 35 to 50 mph. For Friday Northwest 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...10 to 20 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. 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. && $$ COZ240-160100- /O.NEW.KBOU.FW.W.0004.260116T1600Z-260117T0100Z/ /O.EXA.KBOU.FW.W.0003.260115T1700Z-260116T0100Z/ North Douglas County Below 6000 Feet/Denver/West Adams and Arapahoe Counties/East Broomfield County- 1001 AM MST Thu Jan 15 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MST THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR DENVER METRO AREA... ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM MST FRIDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR DENVER METRO AREA... The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect until 6 PM MST this evening. A Red Flag Warning has also been issued from 9 AM to 6 PM MST Friday. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 240. * TIMING...For the first Red Flag Warning, until 6 PM MST this evening. For the second Red Flag Warning, from 9 AM to 6 PM MST Friday. * WINDS...Today, northwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts of 35 to 45 mph. For Friday, Northwest 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...10 to 20 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$ COZ250-251-160100- /O.UPG.KBOU.FW.A.0004.260116T1600Z-260117T0100Z/ /O.NEW.KBOU.FW.W.0004.260116T1600Z-260117T0100Z/ Sedgwick County-Phillips County- 1001 AM MST Thu Jan 15 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM MST FRIDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE FAR NORTHEAST PLAINS... The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 9 AM to 6 PM MST Friday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 250 and 251. * TIMING...From 9 AM to 6 PM MST Friday. * WINDS...Northwest 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 18 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. 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. && $$ COZ215-160100- /O.UPG.KBOU.FW.A.0004.260116T1600Z-260117T0100Z/ /O.NEW.KBOU.FW.W.0004.260116T1600Z-260117T0100Z/ Larimer and Boulder Counties Between 6000 and 9000 Feet- 1001 AM MST Thu Jan 15 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM MST FRIDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTHERN FOOTHILLS... The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 9 AM to 6 PM MST Friday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 215. * TIMING...From 9 AM to 6 PM MST Friday. * WINDS...Northwest 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 70 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 16 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$ COZ239-160100- /O.EXA.KBOU.FW.W.0003.260115T1700Z-260116T0100Z/ Boulder And Jefferson Counties Below 6000 Feet/West Broomfield County- 1001 AM MST Thu Jan 15 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MST THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR EASTERN BOULDER AND NORTHEAST JEFFERSON COUNTIES... The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect until 6 PM MST this evening. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 239. * TIMING...Until 6 PM MST this evening. * WINDS...Thursday, northwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts of 35 to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...10 to 18 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. 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. && $$
5 follow-up statements
194 WWUS85 KBOU 160112 RFWBOU URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Denver/Boulder CO 612 PM MST Thu Jan 15 2026 COZ238-240-242>246-248-249-161315- /O.EXP.KBOU.FW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-260116T0100Z/ /O.CON.KBOU.FW.W.0004.260116T1600Z-260117T0100Z/ Larimer County Below 6000 Feet/Northwest Weld County- North Douglas County Below 6000 Feet/Denver/West Adams and Arapahoe Counties/East Broomfield County-Northeast Weld County- Central and South Weld County-Morgan County- Central and East Adams and Arapahoe Counties- North and Northeast Elbert County Below 6000 Feet/North Lincoln County-Logan County-Washington County- 612 PM MST Thu Jan 15 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM MST FRIDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTHERN I-25 CORRIDOR AND MOST OF THE EASTERN PLAINS... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 238, 240, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 248 and 249. * TIMING...From 9 AM to 6 PM MST Friday. * WINDS...Northwest 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 70 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 13 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$ COZ239-160215- /O.EXP.KBOU.FW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-260116T0100Z/ Boulder And Jefferson Counties Below 6000 Feet/West Broomfield County- 612 PM MST Thu Jan 15 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING HAS EXPIRED FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR EASTERN BOULDER AND NORTHEAST JEFFERSON COUNTIES... Winds have diminished and relative humidity has improved over the last couple of hours. Therefore, the Red Flag Warning has been allowed to expire. $$ COZ250-251-161315- /O.CON.KBOU.FW.W.0004.260116T1600Z-260117T0100Z/ Sedgwick County-Phillips County- 612 PM MST Thu Jan 15 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM MST FRIDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE FAR NORTHEAST PLAINS... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 250 and 251. * TIMING...From 9 AM to 6 PM MST Friday. * WINDS...Northwest 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 70 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 18 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$ COZ215-161315- /O.CON.KBOU.FW.W.0004.260116T1600Z-260117T0100Z/ Larimer and Boulder Counties Between 6000 and 9000 Feet- 612 PM MST Thu Jan 15 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM MST FRIDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTHERN FOOTHILLS... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 215. * TIMING...From 9 AM to 6 PM MST Friday. * WINDS...Northwest 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 75 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 20 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. 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. && $$
299 WWUS85 KBOU 160501 RFWBOU URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Denver/Boulder CO 1001 PM MST Thu Jan 15 2026 COZ239-241-161315- /O.EXB.KBOU.FW.W.0004.260116T1800Z-260117T0100Z/ Boulder And Jefferson Counties Below 6000 Feet/West Broomfield County-Elbert/Central and East Douglas Counties Above 6000 Feet- 1001 PM MST Thu Jan 15 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 6 PM MST FRIDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR BOULDER, THE WESTERN DENVER METRO, AND PALMER DIVIDE... The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 11 AM to 6 PM MST Friday. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 239 and 241. * TIMING...From 11 AM to 6 PM MST Friday. * WINDS...North 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 13 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$ COZ247-161315- /O.EXA.KBOU.FW.W.0004.260116T1600Z-260117T0100Z/ Southeast Elbert County Below 6000 Feet/South Lincoln County- 1001 PM MST Thu Jan 15 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM MST FRIDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR SOUTHERN LINCOLN COUNTY... The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 9 AM to 6 PM MST Friday. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 247. * TIMING...From 9 AM to 6 PM MST Friday. * WINDS...Northwest 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 12 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. 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. && $$ COZ238-240-242>246-248>251-161315- /O.CON.KBOU.FW.W.0004.260116T1600Z-260117T0100Z/ Larimer County Below 6000 Feet/Northwest Weld County- North Douglas County Below 6000 Feet/Denver/West Adams and Arapahoe Counties/East Broomfield County-Northeast Weld County- Central and South Weld County-Morgan County- Central and East Adams and Arapahoe Counties- North and Northeast Elbert County Below 6000 Feet/North Lincoln County-Logan County-Washington County-Sedgwick County- Phillips County- 1001 PM MST Thu Jan 15 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM MST FRIDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTHERN I-25 CORRIDOR AND MOST OF THE EASTERN PLAINS... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 238, 240, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 248, 249, 250 and 251. * TIMING...From 9 AM to 6 PM MST Friday. * WINDS...Northwest 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 70 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 12 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$ COZ215-161315- /O.CON.KBOU.FW.W.0004.260116T1600Z-260117T0100Z/ Larimer and Boulder Counties Between 6000 and 9000 Feet- 1001 PM MST Thu Jan 15 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM MST FRIDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTHERN FOOTHILLS... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 215. * TIMING...From 9 AM to 6 PM MST Friday. * WINDS...Northwest 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 75 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 18 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. 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. && $$
077 WWUS85 KBOU 160944 RFWBOU URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Denver/Boulder CO 244 AM MST Fri Jan 16 2026 COZ248>251-162300- /O.NEW.KBOU.FW.A.0005.260117T1500Z-260118T0100Z/ /O.CON.KBOU.FW.W.0004.260116T1600Z-260117T0100Z/ Logan County-Washington County-Sedgwick County-Phillips County- 244 AM MST Fri Jan 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM MST THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE THE NORTHEAST PLAINS OF COLORADO... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF COLORADO... The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Fire Weather Watch for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from Saturday morning through Saturday afternoon. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 248, 249, 250 and 251. * TIMING...For the Red Flag Warning, from 9 AM this morning to 6 PM MST this evening. For the Fire Weather Watch, from Saturday morning through Saturday afternoon. * WINDS...Northwest 35 to 45 mph with gusts around 65 mph today. Northwest winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts around 45 mph Saturday. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 18 percent today, and down as low as 12 percent Saturday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings. && $$ COZ238-240-242>247-162300- /O.CON.KBOU.FW.W.0004.260116T1600Z-260117T0100Z/ Larimer County Below 6000 Feet/Northwest Weld County- North Douglas County Below 6000 Feet/Denver/West Adams and Arapahoe Counties/East Broomfield County-Northeast Weld County- Central and South Weld County-Morgan County- Central and East Adams and Arapahoe Counties- North and Northeast Elbert County Below 6000 Feet/North Lincoln County- Southeast Elbert County Below 6000 Feet/South Lincoln County- 244 AM MST Fri Jan 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM MST THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE I-25 CORRIDOR AND MOST OF THE EASTERN PLAINS... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 238, 240, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246 and 247. * TIMING...From 9 AM this morning to 6 PM MST this evening. * WINDS...Northwest 30 to 40 mph with gusts to 65 mph. The strongest winds will occur from north of Fort Collins into the plains east of I-25. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 13 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. 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. && $$ COZ215-162300- /O.CON.KBOU.FW.W.0004.260116T1600Z-260117T0100Z/ Larimer and Boulder Counties Between 6000 and 9000 Feet- 244 AM MST Fri Jan 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM MST THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTHERN FOOTHILLS... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 215. * TIMING...From 9 AM this morning to 6 PM MST this evening. * WINDS...Northwest 30 to 45 mph with gusts up to 70 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 18 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$ COZ239-241-162300- /O.CON.KBOU.FW.W.0004.260116T1800Z-260117T0100Z/ Boulder And Jefferson Counties Below 6000 Feet/West Broomfield County-Elbert/Central and East Douglas Counties Above 6000 Feet- 244 AM MST Fri Jan 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM MST THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR BOULDER, THE WESTERN DENVER METRO, AND PALMER DIVIDE... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 239 and 241. * TIMING...From 11 AM this morning to 6 PM MST this evening. * WINDS...Northwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 14 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. 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. && $$
184 WWUS85 KBOU 162115 RFWBOU URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Denver/Boulder CO 215 PM MST Fri Jan 16 2026 COZ248>251-170515- /O.UPG.KBOU.FW.A.0005.260117T1500Z-260118T0100Z/ /O.NEW.KBOU.FW.W.0005.260117T1500Z-260118T0000Z/ /O.CON.KBOU.FW.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260117T0100Z/ Logan County-Washington County-Sedgwick County-Phillips County- 215 PM MST Fri Jan 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MST THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTHEAST PLAINS OF COLORADO... ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM MST SATURDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTHEAST PLAINS OF COLORADO... The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 8 AM to 5 PM MST Saturday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 248, 249, 250 and 251. * TIMING...For the first Red Flag Warning, until 6 PM MST this evening. For the second Red Flag Warning, from 8 AM to 5 PM MST Saturday. * WINDS...For today, northwest 40 to 50 mph with gusts up to 75 mph. For Saturday, northwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 13 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$ COZ244>247-170515- /O.NEW.KBOU.FW.W.0005.260117T1500Z-260118T0000Z/ /O.CON.KBOU.FW.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260117T0100Z/ Morgan County-Central and East Adams and Arapahoe Counties- North and Northeast Elbert County Below 6000 Feet/North Lincoln County- Southeast Elbert County Below 6000 Feet/South Lincoln County- 215 PM MST Fri Jan 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MST THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTHEAST PLAINS OF COLORADO... ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM MST SATURDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTHEAST PLAINS OF COLORADO... The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 8 AM to 5 PM MST Saturday. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 244, 245, 246 and 247. * TIMING...For the first Red Flag Warning, until 6 PM MST this evening. For the second Red Flag Warning, from 8 AM to 5 PM MST Saturday. * WINDS...For today, northwest 40 to 50 mph with gusts up to 70 mph. For Saturday, northwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 14 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. 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. && $$ COZ238-240-242-243-170100- /O.CON.KBOU.FW.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260117T0100Z/ Larimer County Below 6000 Feet/Northwest Weld County- North Douglas County Below 6000 Feet/Denver/West Adams and Arapahoe Counties/East Broomfield County-Northeast Weld County- Central and South Weld County- 215 PM MST Fri Jan 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MST THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTHERN I-25 CORRIDOR... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 238, 240, 242 and 243. * TIMING...Until 6 PM MST this evening. * WINDS...Northwest 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 14 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$ COZ215-170100- /O.CON.KBOU.FW.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260117T0100Z/ Larimer and Boulder Counties Between 6000 and 9000 Feet- 215 PM MST Fri Jan 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MST THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTHERN FOOTHILLS... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 215. * TIMING...Until 6 PM MST this evening. * WINDS...Northwest 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 18 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. 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. && $$ COZ239-241-170100- /O.CON.KBOU.FW.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260117T0100Z/ Boulder And Jefferson Counties Below 6000 Feet/West Broomfield County-Elbert/Central and East Douglas Counties Above 6000 Feet- 215 PM MST Fri Jan 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MST THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR BOULDER, THE WESTERN DENVER METRO, AND THE PALMER DIVIDE... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 239 and 241. * TIMING...Until 6 PM MST this evening. * WINDS...North 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 14 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$
660 WWUS85 KBOU 170112 RFWBOU URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Denver/Boulder CO 612 PM MST Fri Jan 16 2026 COZ244>251-170915- /O.EXP.KBOU.FW.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260117T0100Z/ /O.CON.KBOU.FW.W.0005.260117T1500Z-260118T0000Z/ Morgan County-Central and East Adams and Arapahoe Counties- North and Northeast Elbert County Below 6000 Feet/North Lincoln County- Southeast Elbert County Below 6000 Feet/South Lincoln County- Logan County-Washington County-Sedgwick County-Phillips County- 612 PM MST Fri Jan 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM MST SATURDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTHEAST PLAINS OF COLORADO... ...RED FLAG WARNING HAS EXPIRED FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTHEAST PLAINS OF COLORADO... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250 and 251. * TIMING...From 8 AM to 5 PM MST Saturday. * WINDS...North 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. 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. && $$ COZ215-238>243-170215- /O.EXP.KBOU.FW.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260117T0100Z/ Larimer and Boulder Counties Between 6000 and 9000 Feet- Larimer County Below 6000 Feet/Northwest Weld County- Boulder And Jefferson Counties Below 6000 Feet/West Broomfield County- North Douglas County Below 6000 Feet/Denver/West Adams and Arapahoe Counties/East Broomfield County- Elbert/Central and East Douglas Counties Above 6000 Feet- Northeast Weld County-Central and South Weld County- 612 PM MST Fri Jan 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING HAS EXPIRED FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTHERN I-25 CORRIDOR... Fire conditions have decreased so the warning has been allowed to expire. $$
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 Denver/Boulder, CO wrote its last area forecast discussion before this red flag warning went out at Jan 15, 5:01 AM MST, 5 hours earlier. Its key messages:
- Elevated to critical fire weather conditions across the plains today and Friday.
- A cold front will bring strong winds and colder temperatures to to the plains tonight and Friday.
Area forecast discussion, Jan 15, 5:01 AM MST, 5 hours before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Denver/Boulder CO 501 AM MST Thu Jan 15 2026 .KEY MESSAGES... - Elevated to critical fire weather conditions across the plains today and Friday. - A cold front will bring strong winds and colder temperatures to to the plains tonight and Friday. && .DISCUSSION /Through Wednesday/... Issued at 251 PM MST Wed Jan 14 2026 Water vapor satellite imagery showing the upper level high parked over northern California with northwest flow aloft over the region. Water vapor satellite imagery is also showing very dry air upstream over Wyoming and Montana. This will bring clear skies later tonight and most of Thursday. Temperatures rebound tomorrow from last night's weak cold. Full sun and gusty downslope winds will help us maximize heating with temperatures expected to reach the lower to mid 60s over northeast Colorado. The warm, dry air and gusty winds, are expected to lead to critical fire weather conditions over a good portion of the plains Thursday afternoon. Therefore, issued a Red Flag Warning for the plains for Thursday. A shortwave trough currently moving onto the British Columbia coast will race eastward tonight and then southeast on Thursday, passing over the region late Thursday. A cold front will accompany this wave bringing strong north to northwest winds late Thursday night and Friday. The 12Z ECMWF and its ensemble members are showing light snow (less than an inch) after midnight over the eastern plains and Front Range Mountains. Meanwhile the GEFS are mostly dry with a little snow over the mountains. Winds continue to be the main concern Thursday night and Friday. Expanded the High Wind Watch to include Lincoln and eastern Elbert Counties where gusts to 65 mph will be possible. Because of the strong winds and expected dry conditions, issued a Fire Weather Watch for the northern foothills and the eastern plains for Friday. Temperatures will be about 20F degrees cooler Friday, but models are aggressive with drier air moving in during the day Friday. North to northwest flow aloft will persist this weekend and through the middle part of next week. We are still looking at dry conditions with the ridging to the west keeping Pacific moisture from reaching the area. Main weather features during this time frame will be gusty north winds at times and cooler/colder temperatures. On Saturday, models have been trending cooler and would not be surprised if they continue that direction. We'll see arctic air accompany shortwave trough passing to the east of us in the northerly flow aloft. Models typically don't bring the cold air far enough west in these cases. Highs are expected to be in the 30s with lower 40s possible across the urban corridor. Over the far northeast plains, can't rule out highs only in the 20s. Temperatures rapidly warm Saturday night and into Sunday. A lee side trough forms over eastern Colorado and tracks eastward. Westerly downslope winds develop and scour out the colder air for Sunday. Temperature roller coaster continues into next week when on Monday, the next cold front and shortwave trough bring colder air back into the area. Much of the same can be said heading into the middle part of next week...warmer ahead of the shortwave troughs and colder behind them. Chances for rain/snow are still very low. && .AVIATION /12Z TAFS through 12Z Friday/... Issued at 438 AM MST Thu Jan 15 2026 VFR conditions expected through tonight. Winds are slightly more west than typical drainage this morning with KBJC seeing westerly gusts between 25-35 kts for the past few hours. The stronger westerly gusts should persist at KBJC through around 14Z before a brief slackening is expected around 15-17Z. By 17Z, northwesterly winds are expected across the TAF sites becoming gusty between 18-19Z as mixing occurs. Guidance has been persistent with stronger gusts mixing down at KBJC between 18-21Z, where gusts around 35 kts will be possible. Gusts should stay slighter lighter at KDEN/KAPA (20-25 kts). Winds should slacken up a bit after sunset this evening before a cold front brings gusty north to northeast winds between 5-7Z. Gusts between 25-35 kts will be possible for a few hours with the initial passage. Despite a rather dry airmass expected behind the front, there is a low chance (15-20%) that ceilings drop to around 5,000 feet for a brief period sometime between 8-11Z. Gusty winds will continue to be the story on Friday, as NW to NNW winds are expected once again. && .FIRE WEATHER... Issued at 245 PM MST Wed Jan 14 2026 It will be sunny, warm, dry, and windy Thursday across a good portion of the plains Thursday, leading to Red Flag conditions. Wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph will be common with a few gusts reaching 50 mph. A strong cold front moves through Thursday night bringing colder temperatures and strong north winds for Thursday night and Friday. Even though it cools 20F for Friday, strong drying behind the front is expected to push relative humidity into the 15 to 25 percent range during the day Friday. For Saturday into next week, dry conditions will persist with no precipitation expected. Each day, relative humidities are expected to bottom in the 15 to 30 percent range. Weak disturbances embedded in the north to northwest flow aloft will bring windy conditions at times and elevated fire weather conditions. && .BOU WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Fire Weather Watch from Friday morning through Friday afternoon for COZ215-238-242>246-248>251. Red Flag Warning from 10 AM this morning to 6 PM MST this evening for COZ238-242>246-248-249. High Wind Watch from this evening through Friday afternoon for COZ042-048>051. High Wind Watch from late tonight through Friday afternoon for COZ046-047. && DISCUSSION...12 AVIATION...9 FIRE WEATHER...12
Hazardous weather outlook, Jan 14, 11:03 AM MST, 22 hours 58 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Denver/Boulder CO 1103 AM MST Wed Jan 14 2026 COZ030>051-151815- Jackson County Below 9000 Feet- West Jackson and West Grand Counties Above 9000 Feet- Grand and Summit Counties Below 9000 Feet- South and East Jackson/Larimer/North and Northeast Grand/ Northwest Boulder Counties Above 9000 Feet- South and Southeast Grand/West Central and Southwest Boulder/ Gilpin/Clear Creek/Summit/North and West Park Counties Above 9000 Feet-Larimer and Boulder Counties Between 6000 and 9000 Feet- Jefferson and West Douglas Counties Above 6000 Feet/Gilpin/Clear Creek/Northeast Park Counties Below 9000 Feet- Central and Southeast Park County- Larimer County Below 6000 Feet/Northwest Weld County- Boulder And Jefferson Counties Below 6000 Feet/West Broomfield County- North Douglas County Below 6000 Feet/Denver/West Adams and Arapahoe Counties/East Broomfield County- Elbert/Central and East Douglas Counties Above 6000 Feet- Northeast Weld County-Central and South Weld County-Morgan County- Central and East Adams and Arapahoe Counties- North and Northeast Elbert County Below 6000 Feet/North Lincoln County- Southeast Elbert County Below 6000 Feet/South Lincoln County- Logan County-Washington County-Sedgwick County-Phillips County- 1103 AM MST Wed Jan 14 2026 This hazardous weather outlook is for northeast and north central Colorado. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight No hazardous weather is expected. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday Gusty north to northwest winds will be possible over the northeast plains Thursday. Due to dry conditions and low relative humidity, fire weather conditions will be elevated to critical. Stronger winds are expected for Friday across the northeast plains where gusts to 65 mph will be possible. This will also lead to elevated to critical fire weather conditions. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will not be needed.
The office that day
Everything else NWS Denver/Boulder, CO issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 15, 10:38 AM MST | High Wind Warning | BOU | Adams, Arapahoe, Elbert, Larimer, Lincoln, Logan and 5 more | 30 hr |
Nearby
Red Flag Warnings in Colorado, 2026Every red flag warning in 2026
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.