Incoming desert air sets stage for hot, dry weekend!

An upper-level system moving from the Pacific Northwest to the northern Rockies will help to pull air from the Desert Southwest into Colorado, setting the stage for a hotter and drier weekend of weather.

TODAY: Any areas of low clouds across the northeastern corner of the state will erode by late morning, with plenty of sunshine to help warm us up in a hurry. High temperatures will be back in the 90s for most of the lower elevations, with 70s and 80s in the high country. Winds are expected to increase, with the gustiest conditions expected west of I25. Considering this is the same area that didn't receive as much rain from this past week's storms, it will be over the mountains where the highest fire danger conditions are expected. RED FLAG WARNINGS have been issued for areas west of I25 that will be in effect from 11AM until 9PM tonight. Winds will subside somewhat overnight, with clear skies through tomorrow morning. Overnight lows will be in the 50s and 60s.

TOMORROW: Another hot, dry and windy day... with winds expected to even be a bit stronger than those expected on Saturday. We'll still be under the influence of the system north of Colorado, and as it nears closer it will kick winds up again across the region. FIRE WEATHER WATCHES have already been issued for the high country on Sunday, these will likely be upgraded to Red Flag Warnings later on Saturday. Highs will end up a few degrees warmer than Saturday, with 90s and 100s for the plains, and 80s in the mountains. While there is a very slight chance there could be enough moisture for a storm to fire in far northeastern Colorado, this will be the exception rather than the rule as most are expected to stay dry.

NEXT WEEK: Something to be mindful of: there are several large fires burning in Utah. If we find ourselves beneath more westerly winds, it's possible some of the smoke from these fires could spread into Colorado impacting our skies and air quality at times. Monday will be dry, hot and windy again with highs staying in the 90s and 100s. We're tracking a weak wave that will impact Tuesday afternoon's forecast as it may help draw in enough moisture to help a few storms develop across the far eastern plains, with the potential for perhaps an isolated strong storm or two? We'll be tracking that potential closely. For the most part, this upcoming week is looking much quieter than this past week as far as severe weather is concerned. There are signs that high pressure may set up later this week and into the weekend which could draw moisture back into the state, setting the stage for an uptick in storm chances for the 4th of July holiday... we'll be tracking that potential closely as this system sets up as it may impact outdoor activities. Something to be mindful of this week: there are several large fires burning in Utah. If we find ourselves beneath more westerly winds, it's possible some of the smoke from these fires could spread into Colorado impacting our skies and air quality at times.