RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR STRONG SOUTHWEST WINDS AND VERY LOW RH. 

Red Flag conditions will continue today and likely persist through much of this evening, as strong southwesterly flow surfaces through the day, and combines with a very dry airmass which remains in place. Overnight RH recovery was poor at only around 20 percent, and RH will quickly fall near or below 15 percent by late morning. South winds this morning will strengthen and become very gusty as they transition to southwesterly after 1000. Gusts may exceed 45 mph this afternoon across exposed upper ridgelines. These southwest winds will likely remain strong well into the evening ahead of an approaching cold front, while RH remains below 15 percent. This front looks to cross the area around 0200, shifting winds to the northeast. Winds may gust for an hour or so after the front passes, but should diminish quickly after 0300 while RH recovers above 40 percent. A cooler and more stable airmass will follow for Sunday, with terrain driven winds through the morning followed by westerly winds mixing down during the afternoon.