(Second in a week-long series on flood and fire issues in Colorado. Sunday's article can be found here.)
Flooding is an issue across Colorado. As we saw in September 2013, heavy rain fell over a large area of the foothills resulting in flash flooding in the area. All the water that fell ended up in the South Platte River, with major river flooding occurring from Greeley to the state line.
By Chris Sorensen
Today is the first day of spring, and Mother Nature is starting the season with a mix of weather for Kiowa County.
Temperatures continue a recovery from Friday's cold and snow, reaching into the low 50s Sunday before approaching 80 Monday and Tuesday. Near seasonal temperatures in the mid-50s return for highs Wednesday through Saturday, with overnight lows in the 20s most of the week. Friday will be slightly warmer in a high in the low 60s.
The National Weather Service wants everyone in the United States to be part of a Weather-Ready Nation. Colorado has more than its fair share of floods, flash floods, and wildfires. You should be weather alert and weather ready, knowing how to stay safe when floods and wildfires affect your area.
Governor Hickenlooper has proclaimed this week, March 20-26, as Colorado Flood Safety and Wildfire Awareness Week. Now is the time to learn about flood and wildfire risks in Colorado, and to develop your plans to improve your outcome.
By Chris Sorensen
Much needed moisture - though in very limited amounts and coverage area - returns to Kiowa County Thursday night and Friday.
A small amount of snow fell Thursday night (March 17, 2016) - generally one-half inch or less, and missing many areas. While snow remains likely throughout Friday, less than one inch of accumulation is expected.
by Chris Sorensen
After a significant expansion last week, the percentage of Colorado considered "Abnormally Dry" expanded again - nearly doubling over the past week, from 14.4 percent to covering nearly 28 percent of the state.
UPDATE 2: Tuesday will see another Red Flag Warning from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Look for northwest winds 20-30 miles per hour with gusts to 50 mph and relative humidity as low as nine percent.
UPDATE: In addtion to the Red Flag Warning Monday, the National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Tuesday (March 15, 2016) from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Expect northwest wind 20-30 miles per hour with gusts to 45, and relative humidities as low as eight percent. A fire weather watch means that critical fire conditions are possible.
Fire danger elevated Monday.
UPDATE: Tuesday will see another Red Flag Warning from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
While early Sunday morning started off with fog and 88 percent humidity in central Kiowa County, conditions will change Monday.
by Chris Sorensen
One year ago, most of southeast Colorado was experiencing moderate to severe drought. Summer rains, though not as abundant as some would like, eliminated drought conditions across most of the area by the end of September. Kiowa, Crowley and Otero Counties remained in the "abnormally dry" category however.
It may only be mid-March, however April-like temperatures will prevail Friday through Monday in Kiowa County, with highs in the low to mid-70s and overnight lows in the 30s.
Friday will be breezy, with 15-20 mile per hour winds in the afternoon. For the remainders of the weekend, winds in the 10-15 mile per hour range.
There is a very slight change of showers and thunderstorms Saturday night before 11:00 p.m. possibly bringing less than 1/10 of an inch of rain - higher amounts are possible with thunderstorms.
