Features at play - Blocking high, strong winds, fire risk

Very active weather is blocked for much of the Southwest, but fronts are swinging around this huge high, bringing other hazards.

A strong high-pressure system will continue to increase temperatures through the weekend before it fizzles and moves out. This high pressure blocks the fronts from moving through. Although the Pacific Northwest continues to be active with rain and the mountains receiving snow, the precipitation diminishes as the front swings north of the high pressure.

As the front runs north of the high, the pressure gradient, the difference in pressure in the atmosphere between the high and low dragging the front, increases, and wind speeds ramp up as the front moves toward the Rockies and downslope, east of the Rockies. By this time, little moisture is in place to cause showers, and the air is extremely dry. This dry air and gusty winds can quickly propagate fires; conditions are favorable for fires to spread on Thursday across the northeastern portions of Colorado.

The WindRadar also shows bright colors, depicting strong wind gusts across the Central Plains. A huge moisture deficit elevates the fire danger across Kansas, Oklahoma, and the Texas Panhandle. Winds in this area could gust above 45 mph through Friday. Please avoid fires or anything that can start a fire, as the winds could quickly propagate fires.