Red Flag Warning Issued for Southern El Paso County and Colorado Springs

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a Red Flag Warning for Southern El Paso County. This alert signifies that critical fire weather conditions are expected to occur, driven by a combination of strong winds and low relative humidity.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts Fire Weather Zone 227, which includes:

• Southern El Paso County
• Colorado Springs
• Fort Carson

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas should prepare for critical fire weather conditions. A Red Flag Warning means that fires can catch and spread rapidly and erratically. It is essential to avoid activities that could produce sparks or flames and to stay tuned to local weather updates. A Fire Weather Watch is also in place for the following day, requiring continued vigilance.

Expected Conditions

• Winds: Northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph.
• Humidity: Relative humidity levels will be dangerously low, ranging between 10 and 15 percent.
• Impacts: The combination of wind and low moisture will result in elevated fire danger and the potential for extreme fire behavior.

Timeline

The Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM MST on Thursday, February 26. Additionally, a Fire Weather Watch has been issued for the same region from Friday morning through Friday afternoon.