Headline

Red Flag Warning issued March 13 at 1:23PM MDT until March 15 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM

Description

...CRITICAL FIRE CONDITIONS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ACROSS SOUTHWEST,
SOUTH CENTRAL NEW MEXICO AND FAR WEST TEXAS...

High pressure nudging in from the west is causing temperatures to
be well above seasonal averages, and relative humidity to be
critically low. Daily highs this weekend will average over 10
degrees above normal, as relative humidity drops into the low
teens and single-digits both days, with very poor overnight
recovery. A two-day trough passage to our north will add increased
winds mid afternoon on Saturday, which will continue and further
strengthen overnight into Sunday. These winds combined with single
digit RH's, warm temperatures, and drying fuels will lead to
critical fire weather conditions.

The National Weather Service in El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa has
issued a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather conditions
across the Sacramento mountains, which is in effect from 3 PM
Saturday to 6 PM MDT Sunday.

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 113, the Capitan and
Sacramento Mountains, including the Lincoln National Forest.

* TIMING...Mid afternoon Saturday, Saturday night, through Sunday
afternoon.

* WINDS...West 30 to 40 mph with gusts 50 to 60 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 7 to 10 percent, recovering only
to 18-28 percent overnight

* TEMPERATURES...Above normal, up to 76.

* WIND...West to southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph on
Saturday. Northwest winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts to 55 mph
Saturday night through Sunday afternoon.

* HUMIDITY...7 to 14 percent.

* HIGHEST THREAT...is located on the eastern slopes of the
Sacramento Mountains.

* EXPERIMENTAL RFTI... 4 to 5 Marginally critical to critical.

* IMPACTS...any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Instructions

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Additional Details