A red flag warning of extremely dry and windy conditions favorable to the spread of wildfires is in effect for Southwest Colorado through 8 p.m. Sunday.

A red flag warning means a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Winds from the west are expected between 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

Areas covered by the red flag warning include all of La Plata, Archuleta and Hinsdale counties, and all except the northwest corner of Montezuma County.

The red flag warning covers all of the San Juan Mountains and the Animas, Upper Dolores, and San Juan river basins.

Weather conditions favorable to the spread of wildfire are expected for the next week in Southwest Colorado.

Periodic mountain snowfall is in the forecast from Tuesday through Saturday above 9,000 feet in elevation, but snowfall amounts are expected to be small.