Denver area residents can expect sunny and breezy conditions to start off Monday, but a chance of rain is forecast in the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service in Boulder.

Monday is expected to be mostly sunny, with a high of 73 degrees and a 20% chance of showers after 3 p.m., according to the weather agency. Mild morning winds are expected to pick up later in the day, with afternoon gusts as high as 34 mph.

“The rural plains and Palmer Divide will experience critical fire weather conditions this afternoon with strong southeast winds and very low humidity,” the NWS said. “Snow will develop in the mountains this afternoon, becoming heavy this evening and overnight with strong winds impacting higher elevations. This will lead to hazardous travel and reduced visibilities, particularly for the Front Range mountains.”

Tonight, expect mostly cloudy skies with a low around 47 and a west-northwest wind to blow between 17 and 23 mph.

Here is the rest of the week’s forecast from the National Weather Service:

Tuesday: A 50% chance of showers before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. Breezy, with a northwest wind 18 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 73. Breezy, with a light and variable wind becoming north 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph.

Thursday: A 40% chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51.

Friday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 57.