Red Flag Warning

Locations Affected

Albuquerque, NM ∙ Rio Rancho, NM ∙ Dora, NM ∙ Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, NM ∙ Valencia, NM ∙ San Felipe Pueblo, NM ∙ Chupadera Mesa, NM ∙ Pecos, NM ∙ Vaughn, NM ∙ Abbott, NM

Headline

...RED FLAG WARNING TODAY FROM NOON TO 7 PM MDT ALONG AND EAST OF I-25 (EXCEPT FOR UNION COUNTY) DUE TO GUSTY WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY, AND HIGH FIRE DANGER...
.The subtropical jet stream will cross south central and eastern New Mexico today, while a potent surface low develops over the northeast plains by afternoon. A backdoor front reached as far south as Tucumcari early this morning, but models depict the front retreating almost as far north as Clayton early this afternoon leaving windy and very dry conditions in its wake. The strongest winds will reach 50 mph over east central areas south of I-40 today, while humidities will plummet below 15 percent across most of the warning area.

Full Alert Message

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 636 AM MDT Fri Apr 18 2025 ...RED FLAG WARNING TODAY FROM NOON TO 7 PM MDT ALONG AND EAST OF I-25 (EXCEPT FOR UNION COUNTY) DUE TO GUSTY WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY, AND HIGH FIRE DANGER... .The subtropical jet stream will cross south central and eastern New Mexico today, while a potent surface low develops over the northeast plains by afternoon. A backdoor front reached as far south as Tucumcari early this morning, but models depict the front retreating almost as far north as Clayton early this afternoon leaving windy and very dry conditions in its wake. The strongest winds will reach 50 mph over east central areas south of I-40 today, while humidities will plummet below 15 percent across most of the warning area. ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 7 PM MDT THIS EVENING... * AREA AND TIMING...The Northeast Highlands (Zone 123), Middle Rio Grande Valley (Zone 106), Sandia and Manzano Mountains (Zone 124), Central Highlands (Zone 125) and East Central Plains (Zone 126) today from noon until 7 PM MDT. * 20 FOOT WINDS...Southwest winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph on Friday. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum values 9 to 16 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of these Red Flag Warnings.

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