Red Flag Warning issued March 20 at 1:46AM MDT until March 20 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM

…RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT TODAY 12 PM TO 9 PM MDT FOR ALL OF
EASTERN NEW MEXICO DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY…

…FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT SATURDAY 11 AM TO 8 PM MDT FOR THE
SANDIA AND MANZANO MOUNTAINS BELOW SNOW PACK AND ALL OF EASTERN
NEW MEXICO DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY…

.Critical fire weather conditions are expected again today across
eastern New Mexico. Gusty southwest winds will return while
humidity values fall below 10 percent for several hours in the
afternoon. A surface trough in the lee of the Sangre de Cristo
Mountains will produce the strongest winds there, with winds a
little lighter and humidities a little lower further south. Though
high temperatures will be a few degrees below average, high fire
danger persists in fine fuels. Winds will decrease Thursday
evening, mitigating the critical fire weather concerns. After a
break from the strong winds on Friday, westerly winds will ramp
back up on Saturday for the Sandia and Manzano Mountains and all
of eastern New Mexico. Very low humidity values are expected as
temperatures rise above normal. The combination of low humidity,
above normal temperatures and strong winds will create widespread
fire weather conditions.

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Fire
Weather Watch…which is in effect from Saturday morning through
Saturday evening.

* AREA AND TIMING…Northeast Highlands and Plains (Zones 123 and
104) from noon until 9 PM MDT today and again Saturday between
11 AM and 8 PM MDT.

* 20 FOOT WINDS…For today, southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up
to 45 mph. For Saturday, west 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45
mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…For today, minimum humidity values between 5
and 10 percent. For Saturday, minimum humidity between 10 and
15 percent.

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