RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT TODAY BETWEEN NOON AND 7PM FOR THE EAST CENTRAL PLAINS DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY. . RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT THURSDAY BETWEEN NOON AND 8 PM 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 today across eastern New Mexico as an upper level trough departs the area. Strong winds in combination with high temperatures around 5 to 8 degrees above normal and daytime humidity below 15 percent will yield critical fire weather for several hours across the East Central Plains. Winds will decrease this evening, easing the concern for critical fire weather conditions. Strong southwest winds will return on Thursday nearly areawide. Humidity values will fall to near 15 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 8 PM MDT Thursday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AREA AND TIMING. This includes the East Central Plains (Zone 126) between noon and 7 pm today then again Thursday between noon and 8 pm. * 20 FOOT WINDS. Today, northwest 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. On Thursday, southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 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.
