Severe Weather Across the Center of the Nation; Fire Weather Concerns for Southwest and California; Snow for the Central Rockies

Severe thunderstorms will continue to impact the center of the Nation through today. Very large hail, strong tornadoes, and damaging winds are expected from the Great Lakes into the central/southern Plains; Flash flooding is possible for portions into the mid-Mississippi Valley. Critical fire weather conditions for the Southwest and central valley of California today. Winter hangs on for Rockies. Read More >

Winds will increase late this morning into the afternoon as a stronger jet stream moves in on the southern edge of a upper level trough moving across the northern Rockies states. Expect strongest winds to occur over northwest Colorado and areas along I-70 in west-central Colorado where winds will gust to 45 mph or greater at times. A wind advisory is in effect for those areas as shown in the map below from 11 am MDT through 9 pm MDT today. Generally winds will be gusting 30 to 40 mph elsewhere. Much drier conditions are expected across east-central Utah and portions of west-central Colorado including Paradox Valley where critical fire weather conditions will be met. Therefore, a Red Flag Warning is in effect for those areas. Breezy conditions will continue into Tuesday but will be less windy than Monday.

Non-Precipitation Warnings / Watches / Advisories Issued: 05/18/2026 10:50:00 PM UTC

Red Flag Warning Issued: 05/17/2026 07:55:00 AM UTC

Wind Advisory in effect from 11 am MDT through 9 pm MDT today (tan/brown areas)

Red Flag Warning in effect from 11 am MDT through 9 pm MDT today (pink/reddish areas)

(click image for the latest hazards and details)