Red Flag Warning Issued for New Mexico's Central Highlands Due to High Winds and Low Humidity

Alert Details

A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, NM. This alert is in effect for Friday, February 20, due to critical fire weather conditions resulting from strong winds, low humidity, and dry fuels.

Affected Areas

The primary area affected is the Central Highlands (Zone 125), specifically the eastern portions of this zone. The warning also notes that critical conditions are expected across the Northeast and East Central Plains of New Mexico.

What You Should Do

Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged as any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly under these conditions. Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution. Fire crews and appropriate officials in the field should be notified of this warning to prepare for potential incidents.

Expected Conditions

• Winds: West winds between 25 to 40 mph are expected, with gusts reaching as high as 60 mph.
• Humidity: Minimum relative humidity values are forecast to drop between 13 and 18 percent.
• Hazards: The combination of strong flow aloft, surface low pressure, and very dry fuels will create an environment conducive to rapid fire growth.

Timeline

The Red Flag Warning is effective from 9:00 AM MST on Friday, February 20, and is currently scheduled to end at 6:00 PM MST on Friday evening.