Weather Story

High Wind Warning (Today)

Red Flag Warning (Today)

3-Day Forecast

Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS)

A High Wind Warning is in effect for portions of the area today (Tuesday February 17, 2026). WSW to W winds at 30-40 mph will gust up to 65 mph in the warning area. Difficult travel conditions associated with strong winds and locally significant reductions in visibility with blowing dust can be expected. This includes portions of the I-70 corridor in eastern CO and northwest KS.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the entire Tri-State Area today (Tuesday February 17, 2026). This is a Particularly Dangerous Situation for eastern CO and adjacent KS-NE border counties — where strong westerly winds and very low humidity (~10%) will occur in the presence of exceptionally dry fuels. Fires could spread very quickly and become extremely dangerous. Evacuate if fire/smoke is heading your way, or if ordered to do so by local officials. Blowing dust may accompany these conditions and make fires much more difficult to spot.

Strong westerly winds, dry conditions and well above average temperatures will create dangerous fire weather and hazardous travel conditions today (Tuesday February 17, 2026). Modestly cooler (albeit still above average) temperatures and weaker winds are expected across the majority of the area on Wednesday. Colder temperatures and breezy NW winds will follow in the wake of a cold frontal passage, on Thursday.

A Red Flag Warning is issued when critical fire weather conditions (dry fuels, winds of 25+ mph and less than 15% RH for 3+ hours) are happening or are about to happen. Avoid burning, be careful around open flames, safely dispose of cigarettes. Fires can spark and grow very quickly. A PDS Red Flag Warning is issued when a combination of extremely critical conditions (very dry fuels, single digit RH or 50+ mph winds) are present along with significant and/or frequent wind shifts. These are rare and are only issued when historic or life threatening conditions are forecast to occur. Avoid any activities that create sparks. Any fire that develops may rapidly spread and become extremely dangerous.