...MARGINALLY CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR SATURDAY AND SUNDAY...

A strong upper-level trough from the Pacific Northwest will bring breezy west to southwest winds for Gila National Forest and the Southern New Mexico Deserts on Saturday and Sunday. These winds will range from 15 to 25 mph with the strongest winds on Sunday. Combined with Min RH values in the teens, gusts up to 40 mph, and insufficient fuel recovery, these winds will raise fire weather conditions to near critical.

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 110 Southwest Mountains/Gila NF/Apache NF/GLZ and Fire Weather Zone 111 Southwest Deserts and Lowlands/Las Cruces BLM/GLZ.

* TIMING...Saturday morning through Sunday evening.

* WINDS...West to southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 12 percent.

* TEMPERATURES...Up to 101.

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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. close