CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS POSSIBLE MONDAY SOUTHWEST NM AND FOR SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO AND FAR WEST TEXAS TUESDAY. .Approaching low pressure system moving on shore over the Pacific Northwest will induce stronger southwest flow aloft across the southwest this week. Subsequent tightening of the surface pressure gradient will increase winds areawide. Strongest winds are forecast to occur Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, but will be picking up out west by Monday afternoon. Already present dry air will create critical fire danger for much of southern New Mexico and far west Texas. Recent rains over mountain forests may reduce fire risk somewhat, but weather conditions will be favorable for rapid drying of fine fuels and increasing ERCs back above seasonal normals. . FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR FOR FOR CRITICAL TO EXTREME FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR SOUTHWESTERN NEW MEXICO AND FAR WEST TEXAS. The National Weather Service in El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa has issued a Fire Weather Watch for for dry fuels, strong winds, and very dry conditions, which is in effect both Tuesday and Wednesday. * AFFECTED AREA. All of Southern New Mexico, including the Gila National Forest, Lincoln National Forest, Southern New Mexico Lowlands. Fire Weather zones 110, 111, 112, and 113. Also included is Far West Texas, El Paso county, fire weather zones 055. * TIMING. Both Tuesday and Wednesday between 11 am and 9 pm. * WINDS. Southwest 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY. As low as 8 percent. * TEMPERATURES. 90-95. * EXPERIMENTAL RFTI. 6 to 7 or Critical to Extreme. * IMPACTS. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
