Hot stretch kicks off in Southern Colorado; brings fire danger

TODAY: High temperatures will be back in the 90s. Colorado Springs is expected to hit 90 degrees at 4 p.m., with Pueblo around 8 degrees warmer, reaching 98 by 4 pm. Gusty conditions are expected to increase, mainly affecting the high country, where vegetation is also drier. 30 mph gusts are likely for the high country and southern areas across Las Animas and Huerfano Counties. Gusts in El Paso County are mainly kept below the 30 mph threshold. However, an isolated 30 mph gust is possible. RED FLAG WARNINGS are in place for all of western Colorado and Pueblo County until 9 pm tonight.

TOMORROW: Another hot, dry, and windy day. Wind direction is still blowing toward the northeast, which helps mitigate the haze and smoke coming in from the west. FIRE WEATHER WATCHES have already been issued for the high country on Sunday. Blowing dust over I-25 is also a concern, with 30-40 mph gusts causing poor visibility. Highs will end up a few degrees warmer than Saturday, with 90s and 100s for the plains, and 80s in the mountains.