The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning in seven southeast Colorado counties due to high fire danger Friday.

The warning will be in effect from noon until 6:00 p.m. for Baca, Bent, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero and Prowers counties, along with eastern Las Animas County. Outdoor burning and other activities that could spark a far are strongly discouraged.

Relative humidity is expected to fall to 10-15 percent, while north winds will gust up to 35 miles per hour.

Temperatures in the mid-50s are predicted for the area Friday, rising to the upper 60s Saturday and low 70s Sunday. Colder weather and the potential for snow will move into the area to start the week. High temperatures are only expected to reach the mid-30s Monday, and stay below freezing Tuesday before gradually warming to the mid-40s by Thursday.

Snow is likely Monday night, continuing into Tuesday.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.