...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. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.
* AREA AND TIMING...Upper Rio Grande and Lower Chama River Valley (Zone 121), Sangre de Cristo Mountains (Zone 122), Northeast Highlands (Zone 123), Central Highlands (Zone 125), Northeast Plains (Zone 104)and East Central Plains (Zone 126) today from noon to 8 PM, and Thursday from 9 AM to 8 PM MDT.
* 20 FOOT WINDS...For today, southwest to west winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. For Thursday, west and northwest winds 20 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph. Strongest gusts across northeast areas today, and along and southwest of a line from Las Vegas to Conchas on Thursday.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum values of 6 to 10 percent each day.
* 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 these Red Flag Warnings.
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