Alert archive / Colorado / Red Flag Warnings in 2026

Red Flag Warning 48, NWS Denver/Boulder, CO

June 26, 202610 counties in Colorado

NWS Denver/Boulder, CO issued this red flag warning at Jun 26, 2026, 12:24 AM MDT for 10 counties in Colorado. It took effect at Jun 27, 2026, 11:00 AM MDT. It was in force for 13 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
Jun 26, 2026, 12:24 AM MDT (06:24 UTC)
In effect from
Jun 27, 2026, 11:00 AM MDT
Expired
Jun 28, 2026, 12:00 AM MDT
In force
13 hr
Issued by
NWS Denver/Boulder, CO

Counties Boulder County, CO, Clear Creek County, CO, Douglas County, CO, Gilpin County, CO, Grand County, CO, Jackson County, CO, Jefferson County, CO, Larimer County, CO, Park County, CO, Summit County, CO

The radar

The Denver radar (KFTG), 94 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 06:26 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

Grand Junction, CO (KGJT), launched 00:00Z, 6.4 hours before the alert went out and 258 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, Grand Junction, CO at 00:00Z on 2026-06-26Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 532 joules per kilogram.LCLEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Grand Junction, CO at 00:00Z on 2026-06-26The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 0 square meters per square second.19395878Sfc1 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
532 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-1 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
3090 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
26 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
0 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
74 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.4

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

391 
WWUS85 KBOU 260624
RFWBOU

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Denver/Boulder CO
1224 AM MDT Fri Jun 26 2026

...PROLONGED CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED FOR THE
HIGH COUNTRY...

A warm and dry airmass will coincide with considerably stronger
west and southwest winds this weekend, potentially continuing
into early next week. Sustained winds are expected to exceed
20 to 30 mph across much of the high country beginning Saturday,
with gusts of 40 to 50 mph, strongest for exposed areas and
higher elevations. These conditions will drive very high fire
danger across the warned area, that may extend through the
evening hours of Saturday driven by the enhanced winds. Any new
starts or established fires will likely spread rapidly under
these conditions.

COZ211>214-217-218-262100-
/O.UPG.KBOU.FW.A.0038.260627T1700Z-260628T0600Z/
/O.NEW.KBOU.FW.W.0048.260627T1700Z-260628T0600Z/
Jackson County Below 9000 Feet-
South and Southeast Grand/West Central and Southwest Boulder/
Gilpin/Clear Creek/Summit/North and West Park Counties Above
9000 Feet-Grand and Summit Counties Below 9000 Feet-
Central and Southeast Park County-
West Jackson and West Grand Counties Above 9000 Feet-
South and East Jackson/Larimer/North and Northeast Grand/
Northwest Boulder Counties Above 9000 Feet-
1224 AM MDT Fri Jun 26 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT MDT
SATURDAY NIGHT FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE
MOUNTAINS AND HIGH VALLEYS...

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 Saturday to midnight MDT Saturday night. The Fire
Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 211, 212, 213, 214, 217 and 
  218.

* TIMING...From 11 AM Saturday to midnight Saturday night.

* WINDS...Southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts 40 to 50 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...11 to 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.

&&

$$

Rodriguez
4 follow-up statements
238 
WWUS85 KBOU 262028
RFWBOU

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Denver/Boulder CO
228 PM MDT Fri Jun 26 2026

...PROLONGED CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED FOR THE
HIGH COUNTRY...

A warm and dry airmass will coincide with considerably stronger
west and southwest winds this weekend, potentially continuing
into early next week. Sustained winds are expected to exceed
20 to 30 mph across much of the high country beginning Saturday,
with gusts of 40 to 50 mph, strongest for exposed areas and
higher elevations. These conditions will drive very high fire
danger across the warned area, that may extend through the
evening hours of Saturday driven by the enhanced winds. Any new
starts or established fires will likely spread rapidly under
these conditions.

COZ216-270430-
/O.NEW.KBOU.FW.A.0039.260628T1700Z-260629T0300Z/
/O.EXA.KBOU.FW.W.0048.260627T1700Z-260628T0600Z/
Jefferson and West Douglas Counties Above 6000 Feet/Gilpin/Clear
Creek/Northeast Park Counties Below 9000 Feet-
228 PM MDT Fri Jun 26 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT MDT
SATURDAY NIGHT FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE SOUTHERN
FRONT RANGE FOOTHILLS... 
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH 
SUNDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE SOUTHERN
FRONT RANGE FOOTHILLS...

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 Saturday to midnight MDT Saturday night. A Fire
Weather Watch has also been issued. This Fire Weather Watch for
wind and low relative humidity is in effect from Sunday morning
through Sunday evening.

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 216.

* TIMING...For the Red Flag Warning, from 11 AM Saturday to 
  midnight MDT Saturday night. For the Fire Weather Watch, from 
  Sunday morning through Sunday evening.

* WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts of 25 to 35 mph. A few
  gusts up to 45 mph across the far southern Foothills.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...10 to 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.

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

&&

$$

COZ211>214-218-270430-
/O.NEW.KBOU.FW.A.0039.260628T1700Z-260629T0300Z/
/O.CON.KBOU.FW.W.0048.260627T1700Z-260628T0600Z/
Jackson County Below 9000 Feet-
South and Southeast Grand/West Central and Southwest Boulder/
Gilpin/Clear Creek/Summit/North and West Park Counties Above
9000 Feet-Grand and Summit Counties Below 9000 Feet-
Central and Southeast Park County-
South and East Jackson/Larimer/North and Northeast Grand/
Northwest Boulder Counties Above 9000 Feet-
228 PM MDT Fri Jun 26 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM SATURDAY TO
MIDNIGHT MDT SATURDAY NIGHT FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY
FOR THE MOUNTAINS AND HIGH VALLEYS...
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH
SUNDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE 
MOUNTAINS AND HIGH VALLEYS...

The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Fire Weather
Watch for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from
Sunday morning through Sunday evening.

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 211, 212, 213, 214 and 218.

* TIMING...For the Red Flag Warning, from 11 AM Saturday to 
  midnight MDT Saturday night. For the Fire Weather Watch, from 
  Sunday morning through Sunday evening.

* WINDS...Southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts 40 to 50 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...11 to 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.

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

&&

$$

COZ217-270430-
/O.CON.KBOU.FW.W.0048.260627T1700Z-260628T0600Z/
West Jackson and West Grand Counties Above 9000 Feet-
228 PM MDT Fri Jun 26 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM SATURDAY TO
MIDNIGHT MDT SATURDAY NIGHT FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY
FOR THE PARK RANGE MOUNTAINS...

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 217.

* TIMING...From 11 AM Saturday to midnight MDT Saturday night.

* WINDS...Southwest 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.

&&

$$
652 
WWUS85 KBOU 270418
RFWBOU

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Denver/Boulder CO
1018 PM MDT Fri Jun 26 2026

...PROLONGED CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED FOR THE
HIGH COUNTRY...

A warm and dry airmass will coincide with considerably stronger
west and southwest winds this weekend, potentially continuing
into early next week. Sustained winds are expected to exceed
20 to 30 mph across much of the high country beginning Saturday,
with gusts of 40 to 50 mph, strongest for exposed areas and
higher elevations. These conditions will drive very high fire
danger across the warned area, that may extend through the
evening hours of Saturday driven by the enhanced winds. Any new
starts or established fires will likely spread rapidly under
these conditions.

COZ211>214-216-218-271700-
/O.CON.KBOU.FW.W.0048.260627T1700Z-260628T0600Z/
/O.CON.KBOU.FW.A.0039.260628T1700Z-260629T0300Z/
Jackson County Below 9000 Feet-
South and Southeast Grand/West Central and Southwest Boulder/
Gilpin/Clear Creek/Summit/North and West Park Counties Above
9000 Feet-Grand and Summit Counties Below 9000 Feet-
Central and Southeast Park County-
Jefferson and West Douglas Counties Above 6000 Feet/Gilpin/Clear
Creek/Northeast Park Counties Below 9000 Feet-
South and East Jackson/Larimer/North and Northeast Grand/
Northwest Boulder Counties Above 9000 Feet-
1018 PM MDT Fri Jun 26 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM SATURDAY TO
MIDNIGHT MDT SATURDAY NIGHT FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY
FOR THE MOUNTAINS AND HIGH VALLEYS...
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING
THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE
MOUNTAINS AND HIGH VALLEYS...

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 211, 212, 213, 214, 216 and 
  218.

* TIMING...For the Red Flag Warning, from 11 AM Saturday to 
  midnight MDT Saturday night. For the Fire Weather Watch, from 
  Sunday morning through Sunday evening.

* WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts of 25 to 35 mph. A few
  gusts up to 45 mph across the far southern Foothills.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...10 to 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.

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

&&

$$

COZ217-271700-
/O.CON.KBOU.FW.W.0048.260627T1700Z-260628T0600Z/
West Jackson and West Grand Counties Above 9000 Feet-
1018 PM MDT Fri Jun 26 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM SATURDAY TO
MIDNIGHT MDT SATURDAY NIGHT FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY
FOR THE PARK RANGE MOUNTAINS...

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 217.

* TIMING...From 11 AM Saturday to midnight MDT Saturday night.

* WINDS...Southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts 40 to 50 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 11 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.

&&

$$
447 
WWUS85 KBOU 271911
RFWBOU

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Denver/Boulder CO
111 PM MDT Sat Jun 27 2026

...PROLONGED CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED FOR THE
HIGH COUNTRY THROUGH THE WEEKEND... POTENTIALLY CONTINUING INTO 
THE UPCOMING WEEK...

A warm and dry airmass will coincide with considerably stronger
west and southwest winds today and Sunday, potentially continuing
into early next week. Sustained winds are expected to exceed 20 
to 30 mph across much of the high country this afternoon, with 
gusts of 40 to 50 mph, strongest for exposed areas and higher 
elevations. These conditions will drive very high fire danger 
across the warned area, that may extend through the evening hours 
of Saturday driven by the enhanced winds. Similar conditions are
likely on Sunday. Any new starts or established fires will likely
spread rapidly under these conditions.

COZ211>214-216-218-280615-
/O.UPG.KBOU.FW.A.0039.260628T1700Z-260629T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KBOU.FW.W.0049.260628T1700Z-260629T0300Z/
/O.CON.KBOU.FW.W.0048.000000T0000Z-260628T0600Z/
Jackson County Below 9000 Feet-
South and Southeast Grand/West Central and Southwest Boulder/
Gilpin/Clear Creek/Summit/North and West Park Counties Above
9000 Feet-Grand and Summit Counties Below 9000 Feet-
Central and Southeast Park County-
Jefferson and West Douglas Counties Above 6000 Feet/Gilpin/Clear
Creek/Northeast Park Counties Below 9000 Feet-
South and East Jackson/Larimer/North and Northeast Grand/
Northwest Boulder Counties Above 9000 Feet-
111 PM MDT Sat Jun 27 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT MDT TONIGHT
FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE MOUNTAINS AND HIGH
VALLEYS...
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 9 PM MDT SUNDAY FOR
WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE MOUNTAINS AND HIGH
VALLEYS...

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 9 PM MDT Sunday. The Fire Weather Watch is no
longer in effect.

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 211, 212, 213, 214, 216 and 
  218.

* TIMING...For the first Red Flag Warning, until midnight MDT 
  tonight. For the second Red Flag Warning, from 11 AM to 9 PM 
  MDT Sunday.

* WINDS...For today, southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50
  mph. For Sunday, southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...For today, between 10 and 14 percent. For
  Sunday, between 10 and 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.

&&

$$

COZ217-280600-
/O.CON.KBOU.FW.W.0048.000000T0000Z-260628T0600Z/
West Jackson and West Grand Counties Above 9000 Feet-
111 PM MDT Sat Jun 27 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT MDT TONIGHT
FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE PARK RANGE MOUNTAINS...

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 217.

* TIMING...Until midnight MDT tonight.

* WINDS...Southwest 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.

&&

$$
128 
WWUS85 KBOU 280604
RFWBOU

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Denver/Boulder CO
1204 AM MDT Sun Jun 28 2026

...PROLONGED CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED FOR THE
HIGH COUNTRY AGAIN ON SUNDAY... POTENTIALLY CONTINUING INTO THE 
UPCOMING WEEK...

A warm and dry airmass will coincide with gusty west and 
southwest winds on Sunday, potentially continuing into early next 
week. Sustained winds are expected to exceed 20 to 30 mph across 
much of the high country Sunday afternoon, with gusts to 40 mph, 
strongest for exposed areas and higher elevations. These 
conditions will drive very high fire danger across the warned 
area. Any new starts or established fires will likely spread 
rapidly under these conditions.

COZ211>214-216-218-281415-
/O.EXP.KBOU.FW.W.0048.000000T0000Z-260628T0600Z/
/O.CON.KBOU.FW.W.0049.260628T1700Z-260629T0300Z/
Jackson County Below 9000 Feet-
South and Southeast Grand/West Central and Southwest Boulder/
Gilpin/Clear Creek/Summit/North and West Park Counties Above
9000 Feet-Grand and Summit Counties Below 9000 Feet-
Central and Southeast Park County-
Jefferson and West Douglas Counties Above 6000 Feet/Gilpin/Clear
Creek/Northeast Park Counties Below 9000 Feet-
South and East Jackson/Larimer/North and Northeast Grand/
Northwest Boulder Counties Above 9000 Feet-
1204 AM MDT Sun Jun 28 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO
9 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE
MOUNTAINS AND HIGH VALLEYS...
...RED FLAG WARNING HAS EXPIRED FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE
HUMIDITY FOR THE MOUNTAINS AND HIGH VALLEYS...

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 211, 212, 213, 214, 216 and 
  218.

* TIMING...From 11 AM this morning to 9 PM MDT this evening.

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

&&

$$

COZ217-280715-
/O.EXP.KBOU.FW.W.0048.000000T0000Z-260628T0600Z/
West Jackson and West Grand Counties Above 9000 Feet-
1204 AM MDT Sun Jun 28 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING HAS EXPIRED FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE
HUMIDITY FOR THE PARK RANGE MOUNTAINS...

Winds have decreased so the Red Flag Warning has expired.

$$

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 Jun 25, 11:28 PM MDT, 56 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Scattered showers and a few thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. A few strong to severe storms still possible later this evening across the plains.
  • Widespread and prolonged critical fire weather conditions will be present in the high country this weekend as warm, dry and windy conditions develop.
  • All areas will trend warmer and drier this weekend, with little change into next week.
Area forecast discussion, Jun 25, 11:28 PM MDT, 56 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Denver/Boulder CO
1128 PM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Scattered showers and a few thunderstorms this afternoon and
  evening. A few strong to severe storms still possible later this
  evening across the plains.

- Widespread and prolonged critical fire weather conditions will
  be present in the high country this weekend as warm, dry and
  windy conditions develop.

- All areas will trend warmer and drier this weekend, with little
  change into next week.

&&

.DISCUSSION /Through Thursday/...
Issued at 106 PM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026

Quite the change across the forecast area compared to this time
yesterday. Stratus/stratocumulus remains entrenched across most of
the foothills and plains early this afternoon, with weak upslope
flow still noted across the I-25 corridor. Temperatures are still
in the mid to upper 60s, and are only expected to warm into the
low to mid 70s by later this afternoon. Meanwhile, scattered
showers and a couple weak thunderstorms are ongoing across the
forecast area at this time. The main cluster of showers appears to
be associated with a departing weak shortwave, which is expected
to push out of the CWA within the next couple of hours.

Still, this doesn't mean the storm potential is completely over
anywhere across the lower elevations. There's still modest
instability (MLCAPE between 500-1000 J/kg) across portions of the
I-25 corridor and Palmer Divide, with 30-40kt of deep layer shear.
The HRRR is rather insistent on dropping a stronger storm or two
out of Wyoming by about 6-7 PM this evening, which could pose at
least a marginal hail/wind threat... especially if we manage to
clear out and warm into the mid/upper 70s. We'll see how
convection evolves out of far northern Colorado/souther Wyoming
later this afternoon.

We'll start to get into a warmer and drier pattern tomorrow as
broad southwesterly flow aloft develops ahead of a large upper
trough dropping into the Pacific Northwest. Another weak shortwave
is expected to move across the forecast area during the day.
Though moisture does begin to decrease, there still should be
sufficient instability for widely scattered showers and
thunderstorms to develop during the afternoon hours. Any stronger
storms would be capable of producing hail and gusty winds, along
with briefly heavy rain.

Moisture will be quick to scour out this weekend as the mid-level
southwesterly flow strengthens and warmer air pushes into the
region. Temperatures will likely return to the 90s across the
plains with above normal temperatures also expected across the
high country. Fire weather will be the main concern this weekend
and is detailed more in the Fire section of this AFD.

While another weak cold front may bring some modest relief to the
region sometime Sunday or Monday, the overall pattern is not
expected to change significantly next week. A broad upper trough
is expected to remain in place over the northwestern CONUS, with a
large ridge anchored across the Ohio Valley. Moisture should
eventually try to work back into the region, but in general the
forecast looks warm and dry as we get into early July.

&&

.AVIATION /06Z TAFS through 06Z Saturday/...
Issued at 1125 PM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026

VFR conditions favored to prevail for all terminals through the
TAF period, however FEW-SCT stratus with bases 020-050 will
continue through the night, with ~30% chance of brief BKN CIGS
through sunrise.

Drainage winds will transition to SE flow this afternoon, with
around a 30% chance of TSRA in the vicinity of KDEN/KAPA as early
as 20Z and continuing through 01Z. Gusty outflows up to 30 kts
will be possible. Expect a return to drainage in the evening with
hefty speeds exceeding 12-14 kts at KDEN/KAPA and occasionally
higher gusts.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 106 PM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026

Fire weather conditions will remain subdued today with scattered
showers and a few thunderstorms continuing into the afternoon and
evening hours. Most locations across the forecast area have seen
wetting precipitation, with several areas seeing significant
rainfall over the past 24 hours.

A significant increase in fire danger is expected by this weekend
across the high country, despite the decent wetting rain today
(generally 0.1-0.3" in Middle Park/North Park). Broad
southwesterly flow is expected to develop this weekend, with
sustained speeds likely reaching 20-30 mph with a few gusts up to
50 mph across favored terrain on Saturday, where a Fire Weather
Watch remains in effect.

Little change is expected on Sunday and Monday, though a very weak
cold front could bring marginally better humidity values to the
region. Critical fire weather conditions are likely to continue
across most of the higher elevations. We did consider issuing
additional Fire Weather highlights (or simply extending the time
of the existing watch), but have left the current headlines as is
for now.

Regardless, any new fire starts across the high country, whether
lightning- induced or otherwise, will be susceptible to rapid
spread over the weekend. Users are encouraged to check and follow
the existing city/county fire restrictions across Colorado.

&&

.BOU WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Fire Weather Watch from Saturday morning through Saturday
evening for COZ211>214-217-218.

&&

DISCUSSION...Hiris
AVIATION...BRQ
FIRE WEATHER...Hiris

In the hours before

Local storm report, Jun 25, 6:56 PM MDT, 5 hours 28 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Denver CO
656 PM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0609 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     7 N Rockport            41.00N 104.77W
06/25/2026  M60 MPH          Weld               CO   Mesonet

&&

AA
Special weather statement, Jun 25, 7:15 PM MDT, 5 hours 9 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Denver CO
715 PM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026

COZ042>044-260200-
Morgan County CO-Northeast Weld County CO-Central and South Weld
County CO-
715 PM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN MORGAN AND CENTRAL
WELD COUNTIES UNTIL 8 PM MDT...

At 715 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 9
miles north of Jackson Reservoir, or 25 miles northwest of Fort
Morgan, moving southeast at 50 mph.

HAZARD...Landspouts, wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph, and penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. Gusty winds
         could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured
         objects.

Locations impacted include...
  Jackson Reservoir, Goodrich, Orchard, Weldona, Riverside Reservoir,
  Buckingham, Masters and Cornish.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.

Heavy rain is occurring with this storm and may lead to flooding. Do
not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.

If a tornado is spotted seek shelter inside a sturdy building.

&&

LAT...LON 4054 10443 4071 10415 4052 10364 4018 10420
TIME...MOT...LOC 0114Z 320DEG 42KT 4051 10413

LANDSPOUT...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 TO 55 MPH

MAI
Special weather statement, Jun 25, 7:31 PM MDT, 4 hours 53 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Denver CO
731 PM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026

COZ039-040-043>045-260215-
Boulder And Jefferson Counties Below 6000 Feet/West Broomfield
County CO-Central and South Weld County CO-Central and East Adams
and Arapahoe Counties CO-Morgan County CO-North Douglas County
Below 6000 Feet/Denver/West Adams and Arapahoe Counties/East
Broomfield County CO-
731 PM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026

...A LINE OF STRONG WINDS WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN MORGAN...
NORTHEASTERN DENVER...SOUTHWESTERN WELD...ADAMS...BROOMFIELD...
BOULDER AND NORTHEASTERN JEFFERSON COUNTIES UNTIL 815 PM MDT...

At 731 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a line of outflow winds
from strong thunderstorms extending from near Roggen to near Niwot,
moving south at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
  Northeastern Denver, northeastern Aurora, Thornton, eastern Arvada,
  Westminster, southern Longmont, Broomfield, Commerce City,
  Northglenn, Brighton, Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, Federal Heights,
  Firestone, Denver International Airport, D.I.A Terminal and
  Concourses and Frederick.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.

&&

LAT...LON 4016 10513 4014 10463 4031 10416 3997 10380
      3974 10457 3983 10516
TIME...MOT...LOC 0129Z 355DEG 27KT 4015 10435 4007 10468 4010 10510

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 TO 55 MPH

MAI
Local storm report, Jun 25, 8:24 PM MDT, 4 hours before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Denver CO
824 PM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0752 PM     Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 2 SE Denver Intl Airpor 39.85N 104.65W
06/25/2026  M59 MPH          Denver             CO   ASOS

            ASOS station KDEN Denver Intl Airport.

0609 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     7 N Rockport            41.00N 104.77W
06/25/2026  M60 MPH          Weld               CO   Mesonet

            Mesonet station CO128 085s30935rws1rhs - 0.2
            Mi S Of W.

0609 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     7 N Rockport            41.00N 104.77W
06/25/2026  M60 MPH          Weld               CO   Mesonet

&&

The office that day

Everything else NWS Denver/Boulder, CO issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jun 25, 6:41 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningBOUWeld40 min
Jun 25, 7:15 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementBOUWeld45 min
Jun 25, 7:31 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementBOUAdams, Broomfield44 min
Jun 25, 9:21 PM MDTAreal Flood AdvisoryBOUJefferson3 hr
Jun 26, 1:50 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementBOUDenver40 min
Jun 26, 1:57 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningBOUAdams, Boulder, Broomfield, Jefferson, Weld27 min
Jun 26, 2:10 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningBOUDouglas, Elbert46 min
Jun 26, 2:28 PM MDTFire Weather WatchBOUBoulder, Clear Creek, Douglas, Gilpin, Grand, Jackson and 4 more23 hr
Jun 26, 3:15 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningBOUElbert, Lincoln, Washington30 min
Jun 26, 3:24 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningBOUElbert36 min
Jun 26, 3:41 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningBOUElbert, Lincoln25 min
Jun 26, 5:17 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningBOUWeld28 min
Jun 26, 5:39 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningBOULincoln36 min
Jun 26, 5:42 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningBOUWeld48 min

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; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.