ABC-7 First Alert: Windy, high fire danger Thursday, before strong winds & cooler temps arrive

The ABC-7 First Alert continues through Friday morning. Today`s hot dry weather will elevate a Red Flag Warning throughout the region. High pressure will bring above-average temperatures for all areas.

Today will be the hottest day of the week with several locations seeing near-record temperatures, and some places even making it to the triple digits.

A strong backdoor cold front moves in on Friday morning, which will result in cooler temperatures and around a 15 to 20-degree dip in temperatures. Plus, strong gusty winds up to 50 mph are expected along the west slopes of the Franklin and Organ Mountains.

Prepare now and secure loose outdoor items such as patio furniture, garbage cans, basketball goals and trampolines.