Colorado Braces for Wind and Fire Risks

The Front Range is facing a serious situation. Dry weather and strong winds are making wildfires more likely. On Monday, Denver hit a record high of 68 degrees, the warmest December 15th since 1921. This is the seventh day in a row with temperatures above 60 degrees. The dry conditions have made the area very vulnerable. Russel Danielson, a meteorologist, explained that the lack of rain has left the area's vegetation dry and ready to burn. This, combined with winds that could reach 75 mph, has officials on high alert. To prevent wildfires, Xcel Energy might cut power to some areas on Wednesday at noon. This is a serious step, but it's necessary to keep people safe. Xcel has done this before, in April 2024, when over 55, 000 customers lost power for days.The company is learning from past experiences. They are focusing on better communication with customers. However, it's still unclear which areas will be affected or how long the power will be out. The National Weather Service has issued critical fire weather warnings for areas along the I-25 corridor. The good news is that a cold front is expected to bring snow and cooler temperatures on Thursday. This should help reduce the fire risk. Residents are advised to prepare for possible power outages. This includes charging devices, having backup light sources, and knowing how to open garages manually. Xcel also suggests setting fridges and freezers to the coldest settings to keep food fresh longer. While the cold front will bring some relief, officials warn that residents should stay alert. Wind gusts and dry conditions will continue to pose a significant risk through Wednesday.