Southwest Fire Weather Alert: Critical Conditions Expected in New Mexico and Arizona Through Friday
Significant fire risk is predicted from Wednesday, April 16, through Friday, April 18, as part of a multi-day fire weather threat spreading over parts of the Desert Southwest and the Southern High Plains. The danger is predicted to continue until Saturday, April 19, according to the (NWS) Storm Prediction Center.
Southeast Arizona and a large portion of New Mexico will experience a dramatic increase in winds and dry weather due to a deepening upper-level trough across the western United States and a noticeable increase in southwesterly mid-level flow. Wind gusts will increase on Day 3 (Wednesday), and in southeastern New Mexico, the relative humidity will drop to single digits. The agency has issued a 70% chance of critical fire weather conditions.
As the upper-level trough intensifies and brings even more severe conditions, the fire weather danger will spread to the western Oklahoma/Texas Panhandles and southern Colorado by Day 4 (Thursday). A combination of responsive fuels, downsloping winds, and dry winds will cause an increased risk of fire.
The fire hazard may persist over the weekend in southern New Mexico and surrounding areas, even if rain and snow are predicted for parts of the Southwest by the end of the week. For the most recent fire weather warnings and information, go to www.spc.noaa.gov/fire.
