YUMA COUNTY HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK

 This hazardous weather outlook is for extreme southwest Nebraska... northwest Kansas and east central Colorado.  .DAY ONE...TODAY...  Near-critical to critical fire weather conditions exist this afternoon with relative humidity dropping to near 10%. South- southwesterly winds could gust up to 25 mph over far western and southern portions of the forecast area.  .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH SATURDAY...  For Sunday, a Red Flag Warning has been issued for the entire area and a High Wind Watch has been issued generally for counties south of I-70. Winds across the area are expected to be from the southwest at 25-40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Blowing dust is expected across the area, degrading air quality and reducing visibility to a few miles or less. Critical to extreme fire weather conditions are expected which will allow for rapid fire growth and movement. Smoke from any fires may also further degrade air quality. Winds will also shift abruptly to out of the northwest in the late afternoon to evening hours as a cold front moves through the area.  Monday and Tuesday afternoons will see a continuation of elevated to near-critical fire weather conditions.  .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...  Spotter activation is not expected, though please report any fires to local dispatch.