(SOUTHERN COLORADO) — A long duration high wind event is expected to unfold over the next 24 hours. Starting late Sunday night winds will increase across the region. A high wind warning is in effect across most of Eastern Colorado through about 5 pm on Monday.
There are a few counties along the Arkansas River Valley that won’t quite reach the high wind criteria, but conditions will still remain breezy in that part of the viewing area. The high wind event is expected to last through most of the day on Monday.
Late sunday into the early hours of Monday morning winds will already be picking up across the region. Winds may gust up over 40 mph near Monument and the Walsenburg area. Several of our mountain passes will also experience strong wind gusts.
Sunrise on Monday morning will also have gusting winds across the area. The Eastern Plains may see winds gusting up over 40 miles per hour at this time with the I-25 coridoor also experiencing fast winds. Travel along I-25 may be tricky due to strong cross-winds. Portions of the Eastern Plains may see some blowing dust too.
Wind gusts are generally expected to peak around lunchtime and the early afternoon. Though this graphic doesn’t show it, the region may see winds gusting 60 to 80 mph. That’s about the same speed as a low-end EF0 tornado! Be sure to strap down any unsecured belongings and be on the lookout for falling objects.
The winds will finally start to calm down around dinnertime on Monday with the Eastern Plains seeing the strongest winds at this time. 30 mph wind gusts may still be possible across the region, but in general the event will be starting to lose energy at this point.
The National Weather Service has also issued a red flag warning for much of the state on Monday. Dry conditions plus extreme winds will lay the foundation for a potentially significant day in terms of fire weather concerns. Burning is not advised at all as any fire that starts may quickly grow out of control.
On top of the winds and elevated fire danger, there is also a whole mix of winter weather concerns across portions of the higher terrain. Avalanches appear to be one of the bigger concerns at this point. Much of the Central Mountains and I-70 coridoor are under Avalanche warnings. Western mountain travel along 70 will be tricky, if not dangerous, due to the high winds, blowing snow, and avalanche danger that is present.
The incoming energy will largely take form due to an increase in our pressure gradient force and strong northwesterly flow. Under these conditions, winds from the upper atmosphere can translate to the lower levels and accelerate along the Rockies. Colorado is well known for downslope wind storms and they can be quite devastating if conditions get out of control.
Due to the unsettled weather, and mixture of sunshine and clouds, the high temperature on Monday may be a bit tricky to nail down. A wide variety of highs appear possible with a range from the lower 20s in the mountains to the lower 60s in the Eastern Plains.
