textproduct: Pueblo

KEY MESSAGES

- Temperatures warm considerably through Wednesday, cooling down near the end of the week.

- Fire weather concerns will continue each afternoon through Thursday.

- Potential pattern change heading into this weekend.

SHORT TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/

Issued at 1246 AM MDT Mon Mar 23 2026

High pressure continues to dominate the region, though zonal flow aloft looks to increase a bit today. Gusty westerly winds will mix down to the surface, particularly over the higher terrain and the mountain valleys, leading to more elevated critical fire weather conditions. Red Flag Warning remains in effect this afternoon over the San Luis Valley, SE Mountains, and the southern I-25 corridor. High temperatures will be a bit warmer than yesterday, ranging from high-60s to mid-70s. Warmest areas will coincide with Red Flag conditions. Overnight lows tonight will be in the 30s-40s, with lighter winds and modest RH recovery alongside partly cloudy skies.

LONG TERM /TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/

Issued at 1246 AM MDT Mon Mar 23 2026

Broad upper ridge will continue building into mid-week. Temperatures will warm and dry conditions are expected to continue across the region. Tuesday will see temps in the 70s to mid-80s, though with somewhat lighter winds. Currently, winds look too light for widespread critical conditions, though the San Luis Valley will be close. No highlights needed, as of now, but if conditions become less spotty might have to hoist something with the afternoon forecast package.

Wednesday will be the hottest day of the week, with highs over the plains climbing into the 90s. Expecting some more gusty winds as well, and more fire weather conditions for the San Luis Valley, southeast mountains, and portions of the Upper Arkansas River Valley.

A passing shortwave aloft will send a strong cold front over the plains Thurs-Fri, leading to much cooler temperatures across the area. Along with that, some portions of central CO may actually see some showers, though they'll mainly be confined to the mountains. Even so, critical fire weather conditions will continue on Thursday, as the front brings in stronger wind gusts over most of the area.

Looking into and beyond next weekend, current guidance shows some broad troughing developing off of the CA Coast. Still plenty of time for details to change, but initial thoughts suggest the chance for some moisture to finally make its way into our region.

AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z TUESDAY/

Issued at 521 AM MDT Mon Mar 23 2026

KCOS, KPUB, and KALS: VFR conditions are expected over the next 24 hours. Winds are expected to remain light, less than 10 knots, for KCOS and KPUB the entire TAF period, with a window of gusty winds this afternoon for KALS. Beyond that, high level clouds will be in place through tomorrow morning, with dry conditions prevailing.

PUB WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

Red Flag Warning from noon today to 7 PM MDT this evening for COZ224-225-229-230.