Colorado Springs residents should see warm and breezy conditions after a chilly weekend, according to Gazette news partner KOAA.

“We’ll start out the week on a much brighter and much warmer note,” Meteorologist Alan Rose said. “Dry and breezy westerly winds will bring the warmth today, with our high in Colorado Springs expected to climb into the upper 70s.”

But beware with afternoon wind gusts of 20-30 mph bringing high fire danger to the forecast, Rose said.

“A red flag warning will remain in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and includes the I-25 corridor, Fremont County and the San Luis Valley,” he said.

A cold front Tuesday morning will switch the wind to the east, with upslope flow allowing for a chance for spotty afternoon showers and thunderstorms in the Pikes Peak Region.

Rose said severe weather is not expected, but storms will be capable of dangerous cloud to ground lightning.

“After a high in the mid 60s on Tuesday, warmer weather will return by mid week as highs Wednesday and Thursday return to the 70s,” Rose said. “An approaching storm will bring a transition to our weather pattern starting on Friday as the potential for rain and thunderstorms will grow into the upcoming weekend.”

Here is the extended forecast from the National Weather Service:

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. Breezy, with a north wind 10 to 20 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 73. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Breezy, with a west wind 10 to 15 mph becoming south southwest 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Friday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 68. West northwest wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.