A red flag warning has been issued for eastern Colorado, from the Front Range foothills to the Kansas border. High winds, produced by high pressure west of the Continental Divide and low pressure on the High Plains, will rake the area, increasing the risk of wildfires. Dry vegetation and low humidity exacerbate that risk.
Relatively snow deficient this winter, the region is counting on upslope snowstorms in March and April to bring moisture to the dry landscape. This week's storm tracked north of Colorado, bringing some snow to the Western Slope but leaving the Front Range urban corridor and Colorado Plains under sunny skies. Just yesterday, a grass fire developed in Elbert County, destroying several homes and barns.
As the winter storm moves east and high pressure envelops most of the State, the gusty winds will abate and the red flag warning will expire. Hopefully, Pacific storms will begin taking a more southerly track, augmenting our chance for rain and/or snow.
See also: The Nature of Wind
Relatively snow deficient this winter, the region is counting on upslope snowstorms in March and April to bring moisture to the dry landscape. This week's storm tracked north of Colorado, bringing some snow to the Western Slope but leaving the Front Range urban corridor and Colorado Plains under sunny skies. Just yesterday, a grass fire developed in Elbert County, destroying several homes and barns.
As the winter storm moves east and high pressure envelops most of the State, the gusty winds will abate and the red flag warning will expire. Hopefully, Pacific storms will begin taking a more southerly track, augmenting our chance for rain and/or snow.
See also: The Nature of Wind
