What is a Red Flag Warning?

Red Flag Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service out of Pueblo. In order for these meteorologists to issue one there must be certain criteria that is met.

Strong winds need to be gusting to at least 25mph and last 3 hours. We had gusts well into the mid-30s across I-25.

Low relative humidity values must be 15% or lower. Another check mark for today as humidity values dropped as low as 10% in some areas. So if we are meeting this criteria why did we not have a red flag warning?

The National Weather Service divides up our counties and parts of southern Colorado into zones. Within these zones, only some of that criteria was met which is why we did not have these warnings. Dry vegetation can also lead to a decision to issue these warnings.

Even if w

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