Craig Daily Press / Dangerous fire conditions today

Archive for Thursday, July 9, 2009

National Weather Service issues red flag warning until 9 p.m. today

Pilot & Today staff

July 9, 2009

Keep up with the conditions

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Steamboat Springs — Warm weather, low humidity and gusty winds will create hazardous fire conditions in much of Northwest Colorado.

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for the Craig and Grand Junction forecast areas, including Steamboat Springs and Routt County. The warning remains in effect until 9 p.m. today.

Today's high will be 83 degrees, with southwest winds ranging from 10 to 20 mph and gusts up to 30 mph. Humidity levels are expected to fall below 15 percent this afternoon before climbing this evening, according to the National Weather Service.

A red flag warning means "critical fire conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create explosive fire growth potential."

High temperatures will remain in the mid-80s through the weekend and into early next week. A chance of thunderstorms returns to the area Friday and Saturday.