The Journal

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for west-central and Southwest Colorado from 1-8 p.m. Thursday.

Gusty winds and low humidity will create weather conditions that will allow new or existing fires to grow rapidly and become hard to control, the weather service said.

Dry conditions are expected Thursday afternoon and evening ahead of the next Pacific storm system and cold front that will approach Southwest Colorado from the west, bringing 15-25 mph southwestern winds and 10-15 percent humidity. Recent dry weather has primed low-elevation vegetation in Montezuma and La Plata counties for fire, the weather service said

The local temperature Thursday will be around 75 degrees with mostly sunny skies and a low around 34. Friday will be cooler, with a high around 63 degrees and sunny skies. Friday’s low will be around 29. Saturday will be sunny with a high around 69 degrees and a low around 32.