Red Flag Warning

...PROLONGED CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED FOR THE HIGH COUNTRY TODAY AND AGAIN ON TUESDAY...POTENTIALLY CONTINUING THROUGH FRIDAY...

A warm and dry airmass will coincide with gusty west and southwest winds today and Tuesday, and could potentially continue through Friday. Sustained winds are expected to be 15 to 30 mph across much of the high country this afternoon, with gusts up to 45 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 212, 213, 214 and 216.

* TIMING...For the first Red Flag Warning, until 9 PM MDT this evening. For the second Red Flag Warning, from noon to 9 PM MDT Tuesday.

* WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph today. Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph Tuesday.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Between 8 and 14 percent today. Between 10 and 15 percent on Tuesday.

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