Summer in Colorado is heating up with near-record-breaking temperatures and heightened fire danger expected in the mountains this weekend.

Temperatures this past weekend were above normal across Colorado’s Western Slope, but they did not break records, according to the National Weather Service. That could change this weekend as a warm spell descends on the state.

“On Wednesday, we get under what we call a ridge — basically really, really warm air aloft that will move from the desert southwest toward us in Colorado,” National Weather Service Boulder Office meteorologist Russell Danielson said. 

In Summit County, Dillon is forecast to see temperatures in the mid-80s from Thursday through Saturday, Danielson said. Temperatures Friday in Dillon could approach that day’s record high of 85 degrees while temperatures on Saturday are likely to be a degree or two lower than the record high of 87 degrees, he said.

While temperatures in areas like Steamboat Springs and Kremmling are forecast to be a few degrees warmer than Summit County, some areas further south could see temperatures rise into the 90s.

The National Weather Service on Tuesday issued a Red Flag Warning for the state’s southwest mountain region, advising against burning outdoors because “any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly.”

After cooler temperatures Wednesday, National Weather Service Grand Junction Office meteorologist Matthew Aleksa said the hot, dry and breezy weather is expected to continue, potentially exacerbating the fire danger in the mountains.

Temperatures in the southern portion of the state will be about 10 degrees above normal, but are unlikely to break records, Aleksa said. Over the weekend, Aspen is forecast to have highs near 86 degrees, and Glenwood Springs is forecast to have highs around 95 degrees, he said.

With no precipitation expected and wind gusts potentially exceeding 30 mph Thursday through Saturday, “we are looking at a return of more widespread critical fire weather,” Aleksa said. Next week there is some chance of precipitation, which could provide relief from the hot and dry conditions, he said.

Climate change, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, has increased the risk and extent of wildfires in the western U.S. over the last two decades, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Research shows that human-caused changes in climate are creating warmer, drier conditions that lead to longer and more active fire seasons.

While scientists can’t determine whether any given day’s temperatures were caused by climate change, it is possible to calculate how much more likely climate change made certain conditions.

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Climate Central’s Climate Shift Index does just that, using climate models to determine how much more frequently a given day’s temperature is occurring compared to how frequently it would occur in a world without human-caused carbon pollution.

The nonprofit’s Climate Shift Index indicated that the warm temperatures the Western Slope experienced over the past weekend are occurring three to five times more frequently due to climate change.

“With the heat and with it being so dry, limit your time outside,” Aleksa said. “Take precautions as far as staying hydrated. Try to stay cool. With it being hot, dry and windy, be cautious — don’t be burning anything.”