FXUS65 KPUB 221730

AFDPUB



Area Forecast Discussion

National Weather Service Pueblo CO

1130 AM MDT Sun Mar 22 2026



.KEY MESSAGES...



- Cold front brings brief respite from hot temps today, though we 

still remain warmer than average.



- Hotter conditions return for next week, along with critical

  fire weather conditions.



&&



.SHORT TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...

Issued at 1235 AM MDT Sun Mar 22 2026



Cold front will continue pushing south over the plains this morning, 

giving us a slightly cooler start to the day and closer to seasonal 

expectations for temperatures across the area. Highs this afternoon 

will mainly be in the high 60s to 70s over most of the forecast 

area, coupled with increased cloud cover. Winds behind the front 

will turn easterly over the course of the day, sustained 15-20 mph 

or so with gusts in the 25 to 30 mph range. Some stronger gusts of 

35-40 mph will be possible along the KS border this afternoon. While 

we can't rule out an isolated shower over Teller County this 

afternoon, surface conditions are expected to remain too dry for any 

meaningful precipitation. Overall it will be dry, warm, windy day. 



Despite the ambient conditions, no fire weather highlights needed 

today. Winds will be stronger over the plains, but RH values will be 

higher in the post-frontal airmass. Meanwhile, the San Luis Valley 

remains much drier, but at this time surface winds appear too light 

for any highlights.



We cool off a bit more tonight, with lows in the 30s-40s across the 

area, along with noticeably better RH recovery. Winds will remain 

somewhat breezy overnight, mainly out of the SSE.



&&



.LONG TERM /MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...

Issued at 1235 AM MDT Sun Mar 22 2026



Looking further into the week, the forecast largely remains on 

track. A broad upper-level ridge will continue building in over the 

region, resulting in dry and warm conditions for SE Colorado. 

Temperatures will be far above seasonal averages, 70s on Monday and 

some 90s over the plains by Wednesday. Wouldn't be surprised to see 

more records. 



Given the gustier west winds expected over the San Luis Valley 

Monday afternoon, persistent dry conditions, and increasing 

temperatures, have hoisted  a Fire Weather Watch for the valley as 

well as adjacent gap flow areas.



Critical fire weather conditions are expected to continue each day, 

mainly over the San Luis Valley, Fremont County, and portions of the 

SE mountains, through at least Wednesday. Models still show a dry 

cold front moving in sometime on Thursday, which could create more 

widespread critical fire weather concerns depending on the timing. 

That should serve to knock temperatures back down a bit around the 

end of the week. Overall, not expecting much of anything in terms of 

moisture.



&&



.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z MONDAY/...

Issued at 1126 AM MDT Sun Mar 22 2026



VFR conditions are anticipated during the next 24 hours at all 3 taf 

sites, KPUB, KALS and KCOS. 



KALS winds will pick up from the southeast this afternoon and 

may become gusty this evening before decreasing later this 

evening.



KCOS and KPUB winds will be upslope (Southeast) this afternoon

and are expected to become gusty late this afternoon and last

into the evening hours. 



&&



.PUB WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...

Fire Weather Watch from Monday afternoon through Monday 

evening for COZ225-229.



&&



$$



SHORT TERM...GARBEROGLIO

LONG TERM...GARBEROGLIO

AVIATION...HODANISH