RED FLAG WARNING for Thursday, along with High Wind Warnings & Fire Weather Watches for Friday across the Northeastern region

National Weather Service - *Red Flag Warning remains in effect from 11 am to 9 pm MDT Thursday for wind and low relative humidity for the urban corridor and the Northeastern Plains.

*Fire Weather Watch in effect from 11 am Friday morning through 8 pm Friday evening for wind and low relative humidity for the urban corridor and the Northeastern plains. This includes Larimer, Boulder, Jefferson, Broomfield, Douglas, Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, Elbert, Weld, Morgan, Lincoln, Logan, Washington, Yuma, Dundy, Hitchcock, Red Willow, and Cheyenne Counties in Colorado & Kansas.

• WINDS...On Thursday, west winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts 45 to 70 mph for the northern plains and locations west of I-25, and west winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph elsewhere. On Friday, west winds 20 to 25 mph with gusts 30 to 50 mph, strongest near the Cheyenne Ridge.

• RELATIVE HUMIDITY...11 to 18 percent each day, driest roughly along and south of I-70 and around the Denver metro.

Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. Comply with burn bans and regulations. Avoid driving on dry grass or brush. Maintain vehicle brakes and tires and secure tow chains to avoid dragging. Never toss lit cigarettes onto the ground.

*A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

*A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings.

**High Wind Warning remains in effect from 10 am to 7 pm MDT Thursday. Watch out for west winds 30 to 45 mph with gusts up to 75 mph expected north of Wellington, and gusts to around 60 mph across northern Weld and Logan Counties, including the towns of Fort Collins, Wellington, Briggsdale, and Sterling.

Damaging winds may blow down trees and power lines, and scattered power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. This includes I-25 north of Fort Collins to the Wyoming border. Strong winds may lead to rapid growth of any new fires.