In true Colorado Springs fashion, the first freeze of the season will be followed by a return to balmy 70-degree weather Sunday. A fire weather watch will in in effect for the region on Monday.

Around 5 a.m. Sunday morning, temperatures in Colorado Springs dropped to 28.9 degrees, according to the National Weather Service in Pueblo. But temperatures were expected to rebound to the mid-70s by late Sunday afternoon.

Fire weather conditions are expected Monday in Colorado Springs as forecasters warn that high winds and low humidity will lead to increased fire risk across the region.

Forecasters says a fire weather watch means “critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur”.

The watch is in effect for several counties in the southern half of the state, including all of El Paso County, Fremont County, Pueblo County, Huerfano County, Crowley County and western Las Animas County, according to the weather agency. Further north, a red flag warning will be in effect for the Denver Metro area, as well as Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties.

The weather agency recommends extreme caution when outdoor burning.

A glimpse at this week’s weather

Sunday will be sunny with mostly clear skies. The National Weather Service predicts that the high will be around 75 degrees, with a nighttime low of 50 degrees.

Monday has a predicted high of 67 degrees, which is accompanied by a fire watch from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to the weather agency. Gusts of wind could be as strong as 35 mph. The nighttime low will be around 34 degrees.

Tuesday will be sunny with a high around 66 degrees and a nighttime low of 39 degrees. Winds will be between 5 and 10 mph throughout the day and into the night.

Wednesday has a forecasted high of 70 degrees and a nighttime low of around 39 degrees. Winds throughout the day will be between 5 and 15 mph, forecasters predict.

Thursday is expected to be wet, with a high of 61 degrees and a predicted 30% chance of afternoon showers, spreading into the evening. The nighttime low will be around 37 degrees.

Friday is predicted to be sunny, with a high near 61 degrees and a nighttime low of 36 degrees, according to the weather agency.

Forecasts are for the area surrounding the Colorado Springs Airport. Other parts of El Paso County may have an outlook that slightly varies from the southeast corner of Colorado Springs.