Red Flag Warning Issued for Central Highlands, New Mexico Through Wednesday Evening
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Central Highlands on Wednesday, February 18, citing strong winds and low humidity that could lead to rapid fire spread.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Central Highlands. This alert indicates that critical fire weather conditions are expected, and it replaces the previously issued Fire Weather Watch for the area.
Affected Areas
The warning specifically covers the Central Highlands of New Mexico (Zone 125).
What You Should Do
Residents are strongly advised that outdoor burning is not recommended during this period. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly due to the combination of high winds and dry conditions. Appropriate officials and fire crews in the field should be notified of this warning to ensure emergency preparedness.
Expected Conditions
The region will experience strong southwest winds ranging from 20 to 35 mph, with peak gusts expected between 45 and 55 mph. These winds will be accompanied by very low relative humidity levels, with minimum values dropping between 12 and 22 percent. These conditions enable rapid fire spread in fine fuels.
Timeline
The Red Flag Warning is in effect from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM MST on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice