Weather: Fire warning posted for southwest Colorado, Denver high temps in 80s by Thursday

Sunny, dry and windy weather is elevating fire danger across southwestern Colorado as well as areas of the foothills and on the Eastern Plains.

A red flag fire warning was posted by the National Weather Service for Tuesday afternoon and evening for widespread areas in southwestern Colorado including Cortez, Durango, Pagosa Springs and Alamosa.

Strong winds, up to 30 mph, and relative humidity in the 10% to 15% range are among factors driving the warning. The high temperature in Cortez on Tuesday is expected to be 79 degrees.

Fire danger is also a concern Tuesday in Park County, across the foothills and in parts of the Eastern Plains because of gusty northwest winds and low humidity, the weather service said. Any open burning should be delayed until Wednesday when winds calm down. Agricultural burns are discouraged on Tuesday as a safety precaution.

In Denver, skies will be sunny Tuesday as the high temperature hits 72 degrees. Northwest winds will increase as the day progresses, with gusts up to 28 mph, according to the weather service. On Wednesday sunny skies continue as the high temperature tops out at 77.

Thursday and Friday in Denver will be unseasonably warm with high temperatures in the mid to upper 80s approaching record readings.

A chance of showers and thunderstorms return to the Denver forecast this weekend.