As high temperatures and dry, windy conditions sweep across Colorado, the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Saturday. This warning indicates an increased risk of wildfires in the Denver metropolitan area and other parts of the state due to gusty winds, low humidity, and unseasonal heat.

The combination of these factors, along with significantly dried vegetation, will create critical fire weather conditions from late morning to early evening. Impacted counties include Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Douglas, Elbert, Gilpin, Jefferson, and Lincoln. Relative humidity levels may drop as low as 8% in lower elevations and 10% in higher elevations, with wind speeds reaching 10 to 15 mph and gusts up to 25 mph.

Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning and any activities that could cause sparks, such as discarding lit cigarettes or matches from vehicles. Denver is expected to reach a high of 87 on Saturday, dropping to 47 overnight. Sunday’s forecast includes clear skies with a high of 80 and an overnight low of 50.