Extreme Winds and Low Humidity Could Ignite Rapid Fire Spread Across the Front Range

Boulder and much of the Front Range are heading into an unusual and potentially dangerous stretch of weather. The National Weather Service Denver/Boulder office has issued a Fire Weather Watch covering Boulder County below 6,000 feet, portions of Jefferson County, West Broomfield, and several surrounding fire weather zones along the urban corridor and eastern plains.

This alert signals the possibility of critical to extreme fire weather conditions beginning Sunday and continuing through mid-week, with the highest risk expected Tuesday.

What’s Driving the Concern?

Forecast models indicate a dangerous combination of:

• West winds sustained at 30–40 mph
• Wind gusts potentially reaching 60 mph
• Relative humidity dropping as low as 13%
• Unseasonably warm and dry conditions

When strong winds combine with extremely low humidity and dry fuels, even a small spark can spread rapidly. Winter may still be on the calendar, but recent dry patterns have left grasses and surface fuels highly receptive to ignition.

The peak concern is expected Tuesday beginning late morning and continuing into the afternoon and evening hours.

Boulder’s location at the edge of the Rocky Mountains creates a natural wind accelerator, where air flows over the peaks, descends rapidly through the foothills, and intensifies as it moves toward the plains.

Why This Matters in Boulder

Boulder sits in a uniquely vulnerable position. Our community blends open space, dry grasslands, foothills terrain, and residential neighborhoods — creating a classic urban-wildland interface. Add in strong downslope winds, and fire behavior can escalate quickly.

We have seen firsthand how fast wind-driven fires can move in our region. Conditions like those forecasted this week are exactly the kind that can turn a small ignition into a fast-moving emergency.

This is not a time for complacency.

What Is a Fire Weather Watch?

A Fire Weather Watch is issued when critical fire conditions are possible within the next 12 to 72 hours. It does not mean a wildfire is currently burning — but it does mean the atmosphere is primed for rapid fire growth if one starts.

If conditions intensify or confidence increases, the watch could be upgraded to a Red Flag Warning.

What Boulder Residents Should Do Now

This is about preparation and awareness, not panic. A few proactive steps can make a significant difference:

Check your defensible space.
Remove dry vegetation, leaves, and debris from around your home. Clear gutters and ensure combustible materials are not stacked against structures.

Avoid spark-producing activities.
Postpone outdoor burning, fire pits, equipment use that produces sparks, and any activity that could ignite dry grass. Even parking a hot vehicle over dry vegetation can start a fire under extreme conditions.

Prepare your emergency plan.
Review evacuation routes. Make sure go-bags are ready with essentials, medications, documents, and pet supplies.

Stay informed.
Monitor updates from the National Weather Service and Boulder County emergency services. Conditions can evolve quickly.

Be neighbor-aware.
Share information with neighbors, especially those new to Boulder or living near open space. Community vigilance is one of our strongest assets.

Utilities and Infrastructure

During high-wind events, power lines can be vulnerable. In some cases, utilities may consider precautionary measures to reduce ignition risks. Residents should be prepared for the possibility of short-term disruptions during extreme wind periods.

A Community That Prepares

Boulder is resilient. We understand the landscape we live in and the responsibility that comes with it. While we all hope winds ease and moisture returns, preparation now is far better than reaction later.

Fire weather events can escalate quickly — but awareness and action make all the difference.

Stay alert. Stay prepared. And let’s work together to keep Boulder safe.

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