RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT WEDNESDAY BETWEEN NOON AND 7PM FOR THE EAST CENTRAL PLAINS DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY. . FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING FOR THE MIDDLE RIO GRANDE VALLEY, SANDIA AND MANZANO MOUNTAINS BELOW SNOWPACK AND ALL OF EASTERN NEW MEXICO DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY. .Strong west to northwest winds will develop Wednesday across eastern New Mexico as an upper level trough departs the area. These strong winds in combination with high temperatures around 5 to 8 degrees above normal and daytime humidity values falling below 15 percent will yield critical fire weather conditions for several hours across the East Central Plains. Winds will decrease Wednesday evening, easing the concern for critical fire weather conditions. However, strong southwest winds will return on Thursday nearly areawide. Humidity values will fall between 15 and 20 percent from the middle Rio Grande Valley eastward to the Texas border, resulting in critical fire weather conditions. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Red Flag Warning. which is in effect from noon to 7 PM MDT Wednesday. A Fire Weather Watch has also been issued. This Fire Weather Watch is in effect from Thursday afternoon through Thursday evening. * AREA AND TIMING. This includes the East Central Plains (Zone 126) Wednesday afternoon through early evening and again Thursday afternoon through Thursday evening. * 20 FOOT WINDS. On Wednesday, northwest 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. On Thursday, southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY. Minimum humidity values between 12 and 15 percent each day. * IMPACTS. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
