...RED FLAG WARNING TODAY FROM NOON TO 8 PM MDT FOR THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, EAST CENTRAL PLAINS, AND FROM THE UPPER RIO GRANDE VALLEY EASTWARD DUE TO STRONG WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY...

...RED FLAG WARNING THURSDAY FROM 9 AM TO 8 PM MDT FOR THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY, WEST CENTRAL BASIN AND RANGE, AND ALONG AND EAST OF THE CENTRAL MOUNTAIN CHAIN DUE TO STRONG WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY...

.An active storm track over the northern and central Rockies will strengthen westerly flow aloft over New Mexico through Thursday, while a potent surface trough persists in the lee of the southern Rockies. This will result in southwest wind gusts up to 45 mph today, and west and northwest wind gusts up to 55 mph on Thursday, while humidities plummet mostly into the single digits both days. Outside of the warned area, locally critical fire weather conditions are likely today, especially in the northwest mountains and near the Arizona border.

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Red Flag Warning...which is in effect from 9 AM to 8 PM MDT Thursday.

* AREA AND TIMING...Middle Rio Grande Valley (Zone 106) from 9 AM to 8 PM MDT Thursday.

* 20 FOOT WINDS...Westerly winds 20 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum values 9 to 13 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of this Red Flag Warning. close