'Critical' Fire Weather In Colorado With Explosive Wildfires Possible
By Chris Spears
DENVER (CBS4) - This weekend's weather will be similar to the conditions we saw in June 2012 when several major wildfires broke out in Colorado.
Temperatures will be running up to 20 degrees above average for early June and will be in record territory.
Fire weather will be very high on Saturday but will become critical by Sunday as the wind picks up across the state.
Several new fires developed this week including one not far from the 416 Fire north of Durango. The Burro Fire started burning in Montezuma County on Forest Service land near Cortez.
The Natty Fire also developed on Friday outside of Canon City.
Several smaller fires were reported and contained including a few in Douglas County and Jefferson County.
Temperatures will be in the 90s and low 100s on the lower elevations of Colorado's eastern plains and western slope.
Many mountain communities will climb into the 80s this weekend.
Record temperatures are possible over the next two days for many cities, including Denver.
Meteorologist Chris Spears travels weekly in the CBS4 Mobile Weather Lab reporting about Colorado's weather and climate. Check out his bio, connect with him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @ChrisCBS4.
