High winds expected today as the upper level trough<\/span> brushes Colorado’s northern border. The approaching jet stream<\/span> has streaks up to 140 knots with 110-120 knot values over the northwest corner of the state. Higher elevations in the mountains and along the Palmer Divide<\/span> could see gusts in the 40-50 mph range. The 700mb direction and speed today is one associated with stronger winds along the Front Range as well. Thus, downslope westerly\/southwest flow is expected across the state today, which should keep things quite dry. The exception is north over the CO\/WY border where a shortwave<\/span> moves through early this evening, which may help initiate some isolated<\/span> storms. With low dew point<\/span> values and high-cloud bases, most precipitation will evaporate before reaching the ground. However, some measurable precipitation could fall along and near the Gore Range.<\/p>\n The increased downslope flow will create very low relative humidity this afternoon and increase temperatures a few degrees just east of the mountains. Low humidity combined with fast wind speeds will generate extreme fire danger across the state today. Burning should be avoided and extra caution should be used with any open flame. A wind advisory is in effect until 7PM tonight for the northwest corner of the state as the jet stream<\/span> moves in and mixes down through the afternoon. Sustained southwest winds of 20 to 35 mph and gusts up to 50 mph are expected. Winds should begin to die down late tonight with the decoupling of the upper and lower atmospheres. Flooding is not expected today.<\/p>\n
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