Denver area residents will see clear skies and mid-60s temperatures on Thursday as a prelude to a balmy weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Boulder.

Thursday is expected to be sunny, with a high near 65 and “light and variable” winds, the weather agency says. Nighttime skies will be mostly clear, with a low of about 39.

“Friday through Monday will be very mild and dry and this will lead to elevated to critical fire weather conditions across the plains and lower foothills,” the NWS said. “Winds look to be lighter on Friday and Sunday with gusts between 15-25 mph. This should keep most areas at elevated fire weather conditions.”

On Saturday and Monday, winds will be stronger with gusts between 25-35 mph on Saturday and some areas seeing gusts exceed 45 mph on Monday. Critical fire weather conditions are expected Saturday and Monday with Red Flag Warnings likely.

Here is the extended forecast from the National Weather Service:

Friday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 79. South wind 7 to 11 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. Southwest wind 9 to 14 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.

Sunday: Sunny and breezy, with a high near 80 degrees.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Breezy, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 12 p.m.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a chance of showers. High near 69. Breezy.