Red Flag Warning

...PROLONGED CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED FOR THE HIGH COUNTRY TODAY AND AGAIN ON MONDAY...POTENTIALLY CONTINUING THROUGH THE UPCOMING WEEK...

A warm and dry airmass will coincide with gusty west and southwest winds today, potentially continuing into early next week. Sustained winds are expected to exceed 20 to 30 mph across much of the high country Sunday afternoon, with gusts to 40 mph, strongest for exposed areas and higher elevations. These conditions will drive very high fire danger across the warned area. Any new starts or established fires will likely spread rapidly under these conditions.

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 211 and 218.

* TIMING...From 11 AM this morning to 9 PM MDT this evening.

* WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 12 percent.

* IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.