Desperately needed rain that could help firefighting efforts in Southwest Colorado is in the forecast.

The National Weather Service in Grand Junction says the chance for precipitation starts Thursday night. From Thursday night to Friday, there is the possibility for isolated thunderstorms that may carry rain.

This part of the weather system could, in fact, have detrimental effects to wildfire danger if the storms produce lightning and no precipitation, said Mike Charnick, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

However, Saturday and Sunday has a promise of rain and cooler temperatures, with a high of 76 forecasted for Saturday and Sunday.

Over the weekend, Charnick said it is a safe bet that most of Southwest Colorado will see moisture, at least enough to get the ground wet. Higher terrains are more favored in this system, he said.

The rainfall is expected to help firefighting efforts for both the 416 Fire and the Burro Fire.

Charnick said this storm system is not a sign of the arrival of the monsoons.

Instead, a hurricane in the eastern Pacific Ocean - Hurricane Bud - is sending up moisture to Southwest Colorado.

"This is a couple day pattern change, not something that will stick around," Charnick said. "But it is a fortunate change in the weather pattern we've been looking for."

jromeo@durangoherald.com