After a weekend that saw Southern Colorado and Central Texas shivering under colder-than-usual conditions, both regions are now bracing for a dramatic turnaround: a surge of warmth, strong winds, and, with them, a heightened risk of wildfires. The final week of February 2026 is shaping up to be a meteorological rollercoaster, with temperatures leaping well above seasonal averages and fire officials sounding the alarm as gusty winds and dry air set the stage for dangerous conditions.
According to KOAA News5, Southern Colorado will see temperatures rebound by as much as 10 to 20 degrees after a chilly weekend, with highs on February 23 reaching the 50s and 60s across the region. Colorado Springs is forecast to hit a high of 61°F and a low of 34°F, while Pueblo will warm to 64°F and dip to 30°F overnight. Canon City is expected to enjoy a high of 65°F, with even warmer temperatures—lower 70s—on the horizon for Tuesday. Woodland Park will see highs in the mid-50s, and the Tri-Lakes area will hover in the 50s and 60s, with mild, dry conditions prevailing.
"Today will also be another day with cooler-than-average highs and lows ahead of a BIG warm up tomorrow being joined by strong winds and elevated grass fire dangers," KWTX reported, highlighting the abrupt shift in Central Texas. After a February that has been, in their words, "exceptionally hot," residents experienced their first day of below-average highs and lows on February 22. But any thoughts of a lingering cold snap are fleeting—by February 23, morning lows near freezing quickly give way to sun-splashed afternoons in the lower 60s.
What’s driving these dramatic swings? In Colorado, the breakdown of high pressure will allow downslope winds to strengthen. KOAA News5 explains that as high pressure breaks down this evening, a developing downslope flow will set the stage for a breezier Tuesday and a more mild night. The Plains will bask in mostly sunny skies, with gentle S/SE winds at 10–15 mph. Walsenburg and Trinidad will see highs in the 60s and lows in the 30s, but increasing winds tonight and into Tuesday will raise the risk of fire. Even the mountains, usually a bastion of winter, will see highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s, with overnight gusts up to 40 mph.
Central Texas is on a similar trajectory, with KWTX forecasting a dramatic temperature jump on February 24: "Temperatures Tuesday will warm up close to 40° from the morning low to the afternoon high as strong southerly winds take over." Highs will settle in the mid-70s, and winds will gust near 30 to 35 mph. The warmth gets even more pronounced by February 25, when highs are expected to soar into the mid-80s, propelled by persistent south winds gusting between 20 and 30 mph.
But with the warmth and wind comes a serious threat: fire. KOAA News5 reports that Fire Weather Watches have been issued for El Paso County and much of the I-25 corridor on February 24, with gusts around 30–40 mph and relative humidity dropping as low as 10%. The forecast high in Colorado Springs of 71°F on February 24 would tie the record set back in 1986, but the real story is the fire danger. "The developing downslope wind will also lead to a more mild night across Southern Colorado," the station noted, but warned that Tuesday’s warmth and wind could be a recipe for trouble.
Central Texas faces even starker warnings. KWTX cautions that the grass fire danger will be "high to very high" on February 24 and 25, thanks to the potent combination of warmth, strong winds, low humidity, and dry ground. Many counties are under a burn ban, with officials urging residents to avoid outdoor burning and any activities that could spark a blaze. "Keep those cigarette butts in the car, avoid dragging chains behind your vehicle, and avoid starting vehicles on grass," the station advised, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Looking ahead, both regions can expect more weather drama. In Colorado, high pressure will continue to break down on February 24, causing even stronger winds across the Pikes Peak Region and Southern Colorado. KOAA News5 warns that gusts could reach 30–40 mph, with relative humidity remaining perilously low. If the forecast holds, Colorado Springs could tie a 40-year-old temperature record, while Pueblo, Canon City, and other communities enjoy highs well above average.
Wednesday, February 25, brings another twist. KOAA News5 predicts that the day could be even windier than Tuesday, but with higher humidity, fire danger on the Plains may be slightly lower. However, the mountains could see heavy snow and wind, with a quick shot of precipitation possible for the Pikes Peak Region, especially Teller County and the Palmer Divide. Still, fire danger may ramp back up Thursday and Friday as highs remain above average throughout the week.
Central Texas, meanwhile, will see a cold front move through during the daytime hours on February 26, bringing a modest drop in temperatures—from the mid-80s on February 25 to the upper 70s on February 26. Morning temperatures will tumble from near 60°F on Thursday to the mid-40s by Friday. But as KWTX notes, "Thursday’s front truly lacks colder air, though, and we’re staying warm in the 70s and lower 80s Friday, Saturday, and Sunday." Even another weak cold front expected on March 1 is unlikely to bring much relief, with highs sliding only slightly and rain chances remaining slim.
All of this comes as meteorological winter draws to a close on February 28 and spring begins on March 1. KWTX captures the regional mood: "Here’s hoping that it’s the start of what will be a rainy few months for us...we need it!" After an exceptionally warm and dry February, both Central Texas and Southern Colorado are looking to the sky—not just for relief from the heat, but for the rain that could help tamp down the growing fire risk.
In the meantime, officials across both regions are urging caution. The message is clear: with unseasonably warm temperatures, gusty winds, and dry conditions, the threat of wildfire is real and immediate. Residents are advised to stay alert, heed burn bans, and do their part to prevent any accidental sparks. As February gives way to March, all eyes will be on the weather—and on the hope that spring showers will soon follow this wild, windy week.