Headline:
Red Flag Warning issued April 17 at 5:15AM MDT until April 17 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
Event:
Red Flag Warning
Urgency:
Expected
Effective:
April 17, 2026 - 4:15am
Expires:
April 17, 2026 - 7:00pm
Description:
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ACROSS SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO
TODAY...
Dry and breezy weather pattern today as subtropical jet flow
aloft increases over the Southern Rockies. West winds peak during
the afternoon hours, especially over the Lincoln National Forest
where gusts up to 40 mph will be possible. Critically dry
conditions continue, with relative humidity falling below 15%.
Widespread tree mortality and dieback fuels will increase the
wildfire risk in both the Gila and Lincoln National Forests as
ERCs climb back above the average.
* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 110 Southwest Mountains/Gila
NF/Apache NF/GLZ, Fire Weather Zone 111 Southwest Deserts and
Lowlands/Las Cruces BLM/GLZ, Fire Weather Zone 112 South
Central Lowlands and Southern Rio Grande Valley/BLM/GLZ and
Fire Weather Zone 113 Capitan and Sacramento Mountains/Lincoln
NF/LNZ.
* TIMING...From Noon to 8 PM Friday.
* WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...9 to 15 percent.
* EXPERIMENTAL RFTI...3 to 4, Near Critical.
* IMPACTS...any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Instruction:
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.
Area Description:
Southwest Mountains; Southwest Deserts and Lowlands; South Central Lowlands And Southern Rio Grande Valley; Capitan And Sacramento Mountains
Forcast Office:
NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
Sender: