BOULDER, COLORADO — An unusually volatile February setup is lining up for the Front Range on Tuesday, combining high mountain winds, near-critical to extreme fire danger, accumulating mountain snow, and near-record warmth — all within a 24-hour window.
Updated weather highlights show multiple warnings stretching from Fort Collins and Boulder through Denver and into the foothills, with impacts varying sharply by elevation.
Here’s a breakdown of the four major elements shaping this active day.
High Winds in the Mountains and Foothills
The most intense conditions will target elevations above 7,000 feet, including mountain communities and exposed foothill ridges.
- Peak gusts up to 85 MPH possible
- Strongest winds expected mid-morning through evening
- High Wind Warnings in effect for portions of the foothills and mountain zones
There remains some uncertainty about how far downslope the strongest winds will mix. Current projections suggest Boulder may avoid the most extreme gusts, but forecasters caution that small shifts could push stronger winds farther downhill…