COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Spring has officially arrived in Colorado, and the winds of change are upon us.

Spring is our windiest time of year in the Centennial state. Add to that the new growth and blooming, pollen also jumps. As of March 22, tree pollens were critically high in Colorado Springs, and molds were also high, according to the Asthma and Allergy Associates. Grasses and weeds, so far, remain fairly low.

In the past few months, weather patterns have drifted north of Colorado, keeping any appreciable precipitation to our north. The weather has been abnormally dry, with snowfall at the airport at only 8.9" for the season when we should be well over 30." This lack of moisture has devasted the already moisture-starved vegetation on the plains. Officially, according to the drought monitor, the southeastern plains and lower Arkansas river valley are in severe drought status.  Although La Nina is weakening, the lingering effects of the larger weather pattern should keep abnormally dry conditions across the area through at least May.

Dry weather and strong winds are the perfect setup of dangerously high fire danger. Despite decent mountain snowfall, the plains are set up for a potentially devastating fire weather season, which typically lasts through the fall. Red Flag Warnings are issued for days when fire danger is particularly high, relating to high winds and low humidities. Fires will start easily and spread quickly on these days.

One single rain or snow event will not squelch the fire danger or drought conditions. It will take a long-lasting weather pattern change that brings healthy moisture to the area. Until then, the public should take the inherent fire danger very seriously and realize this danger will likely not end anytime soon. Already, fire have burned thousands of acres near the foothills this season.

The latest climatological data for Southern Colorado can be found on the National Weather Service website.