Gusty winds, low humidity and near record warm temperatures will combine with dry vegetation to create critical fire danger across eastern Colorado on Monday. Fire weather warnings go into effect at 11 a.m. Monday and include the Front Range and Denver metro area. The strongest winds will be in the foothills and areas near the base of the foothills during the overnight and early Monday morning hours with gusts of 50 to 70 mph possible. The only good news is that the wind is forecast to be reduced to the 20-40 mph range by afternoon when the fire weather is most critical. Wildfires will be fast moving and difficult to fight if any get started in Colorado on Monday. The elevated fire danger is also expected to last through the day on Tuesday in some areas. Warm temperatures are part of the fire weather formula with highs forecast to be in the 70s and 80s in eastern Colorado. The record of 76 degrees in Denver could be in jeopardy Monday. The current forecast is 73 degrees. More local videos here: https://bit.ly/2Pa0d1l Subscribe to NEXT: http://bit.ly/2eP1GwI Stay connected: 9NEWS Website: http://www.9news.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ilike9news X: https://x.com/9NEWS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9newsdenver/ Download the 9NEWS App: https://www.9news.com/appredirect/ Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER: https://www.9news.com/email 9NEWS (KUSA) is located in Denver, Colorado.