High fire danger today with rain/snow tomorrow – 04/19/18

Today: We expect high to severe fire danger today. Gusts will range in the 30s and 40s. For this reason, we have a Wind Alert Level One in effect. Due to our strong winds, dry fuels and low relative humidity levels, we also have Red Flag Warnings in place for many areas between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. No outdoor burning today and don’t throw cigarette butts! Highs will be warm, reaching the 60s and 70s for the lower elevations. Mostly sunny skies are anticipated.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy skies will take us through the night. Lows drop to the 20s and 30s. Snow will be ramping up in the mountains.

Extended: The same area of low pressure bringing us gusty conditions today will drop temperatures tomorrow, keep the winds strong and spark rain/snow showers with rumbles of thunder. The most snow accumulation will be between Friday night and Saturday morning. Between those two days, we could see 3-8″+ stack up in Teller County with 2-4″+ in northern El Paso County. Elsewhere, chances for snow accumulation are small. Instead, in other spots, we’ll be tracking some moderate-to-heavy rain. Some areas could get more than 1″ of rain! We’ll be drier and quieter weather-wise Sunday.