Colorado will experience snow, rain, wind and a risk of fire Sunday through Monday

People across Colorado should prepare for a mix of winter weather and fire danger as snow, rain and strong winds dominate the forecast through Monday. Red Flag Warnings are in effect across much of both states due to the increased fire danger.

Skies were sunny across much of the region Sunday morning, but winds are expected to increase throughout the day. In the highlands, stronger gusts will increase Sunday morning into the afternoon and may lead to blowing snow and reduced visibility.

From Sunday evening through Monday afternoon, wind gusts could reach up to 60 mph, with sustained speeds of 30 to 40 mph.

Stronger winds will begin in higher mountain elevations but are expected to spread eastward. Gusts of 20 to 30 mph are expected to be felt along the Front Range on Sunday night, increasing into Monday.

A red flag warning is in effect beginning Sunday morning for much of the Colorado Highlands into eastern Utah, according to the National Weather Service. Fire danger will increase across the region on Monday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday will also be a weather warning day.

Another round of snow in the mountains is expected to begin Sunday evening and continue through Monday night. The heaviest snowfall is expected in the northern mountainous areas, with more snowfall possible Tuesday through Wednesday.

However, much of the precipitation will remain at higher elevations, leaving low-lying areas along Interstate 25 mostly dry. Far northeastern Colorado may see isolated showers overnight, while parts of western Jefferson, Boulder and Larimer counties could experience a rain-snow mix.

Temperatures Sunday started in the 30s, with highs expected in the mid-50s along the Front Range. The temperature is forecast to reach the 40 degree mark in mountainous areas, with some metropolitan areas reaching 60 degrees, including Greenwood Village, Aurora and Commerce City.

Looking ahead, a cold front is expected to move through by New Year’s Eve, bringing cooler temperatures in the 30s, closer to seasonal norms.