A mix of fire danger and severe storms expected this weekend

Several waves of energy and incoming monsoonal moisture will set the stage for an active weekend of weather.

TODAY: Winds will pick up this afternoon in southern Colorado, with gusts up to 40MPH possible for much of the region. These winds will further dry out the region, raising fire weather concerns which is why RED FLAG WARNINGS will be in effect until 10PM. Meanwhile, moisture will begin streaming into the eastern plains today. Where this dry air coming in from the high country and the moist air moving in from the east collide will serve as the focal point for storm development. As these storms develop and move eastward, they will continue to push into an area more favorable for intensification - with the strongest storms anticipated near the Colorado/Kansas state line. The strongest storms will be capable of hail great than 2" in diameter, 70-80 mph wind gusts and isolated tornadoes... so stick with your Stormtracker Weather Team today! Storms will move east out of the state by late in the evening, and winds are expected to subside overnight. Highs today will be hot, with 90s and 100s for many. Lows overnight will fall into the 40s and 50s.

TOMORROW: Sunday will bring another round of gusty winds for southern Colorado, which will keep fire danger a concern - FIRE WEATHER WATCHES have already been issued, which will likely be upgraded to RED FLAG WARNINGS. We'll get another wave of energy moving across the state that will send a cold front through - this will setup will allow for another afternoon of storms. There may be the potential, again, for a few strong to severe storms however the strength of the storms doesn't look to be as impressive as those expected on Saturday. Storms will likely last a bit longer into the evening on Sunday, before most of the activity ends by midnight. Highs will be just a touch cooler than Saturday, with most areas ending up in the 80s and 90s.

EXTENDED: Monsoonal moisture in conjunction with a few waves of energy circulating through the state will influence our weather pattern this week, with gusty winds and afternoon storms expected each day. Storms that do develop will be capable of producing gusty winds and bursts of heavy rain, with the greatest chance for severe storms residing near the Colorado/Kansas state line. Highs will fluctuate between the 80s and 90s with the onset and departure of these waves.