Colorado drought worsens; extreme fire danger this weekend

Posted on June 22, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Some monsoon moisture may arrive in San Juans this weekend

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By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — About 25 percent of Colorado is now classified as experiencing ‘extreme’ drought conditions, with the driest conditions across the northwest corner of the state and down along the West Slope of the Rockies, according to the June 21 drought monitor.

There’s no relief in sight the next few days, as much of western Colorado will see record and near record temperatures through the weekend, with highs expected to reach the 80s in the high country and triple digits in the lower elevations of the West Slope.

An early surge of monsoon moisture from the south could reach the area this weekend, but the forecast is for mostly dry lighting, with rain chances limited to the highest terrain of western Colorado. A slightly better chance of more scattered showers is in the forecast for early next week before a dry westerly flow returns. (more…)

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Red flag warning for ‘extreme’ fire danger

Posted on September 20, 2010 by Bob Berwyn

A fed flag fire warning has been expanded to cover much of Colorado.

Gusty winds, dry thunderstorms a dangerous combination for western Colorado

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — A red flag fire warning has been extended to cover Summit County and rest of the high country, with the fire danger described as very high to extreme under dry skies. Locally, the fire danger is rated as extreme, with gusty southwest winds expected to develop ahead of a cool front approaching from the northwest. Click here to read the Red Flag warning.

The approaching front could trigger a few thunderstorms, especially in the northwestern part of the state, and the National Weather Service is warning that lightning strikes outside of rain shafts could easily spark wildfires that could spread quickly given the dry conditions.

Temperatures have been hovering above average the past few days, with Sunday’s high in Frisco verging on record territory. A 3 p.m. reading of 77.8 degrees was just one degree shy of the all-time mark for the day. (more…)

Filed under: Summit County Colorado | Tagged: , , , , | 1 Comment »

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