Red Flag Warning Issued for New Mexico Plains and West Texas Mountains Through Thursday

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Midland/Odessa TX has issued a Red Flag Warning due to critical fire weather conditions. The warning is triggered by a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels which increase the potential for significant fire growth. A Fire Weather Watch has also been issued for the following day.

Affected Areas

The alert covers a broad geographic range across New Mexico and West Texas, including:

• New Mexico: Sacramento Foothills, Guadalupe Mountains, Chaves County Plains, Eddy Plains, and Lea County.
• Texas: Guadalupe and Delaware Mountains, Eastern Culberson County, Davis Mountains, and Davis Mountains Foothills.

What You Should Do

Residents in the warning areas should take immediate precautions. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. Residents are advised to monitor later forecasts and remain prepared for potential fire hazards.

Expected Conditions

• Winds: Southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph.
• Humidity: Relative humidity levels are forecast to drop as low as 6 percent, well below the 15 percent threshold for critical fire danger.
• Fire Environment: The Red Flag Threat Index (RFTI) is rated between 4 and 7, indicating near-critical to critical conditions. Fuels in the region are currently dry.

Timeline

• Red Flag Warning: In effect from 12:00 PM CST (11:00 AM MST) Thursday, March 5, until 8:00 PM CST (7:00 PM MST) Thursday.
• Fire Weather Watch: In effect from late Friday morning through Friday evening, March 6.