…CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS POSSIBLE MONDAY SOUTHWEST NM
AND FOR SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO AND FAR WEST TEXAS TUESDAY…
.Approaching low pressure system moving on shore over the Pacific
Northwest will induce stronger southwest flow aloft over the
Southern Rockies early next week. Subsequent tightening of the
surface pressure gradient will increase winds areawide. Strongest
winds are forecast to occur Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, but
will be picking up out west by Monday afternoon. Already present
dry air will create critical fire danger for much of southern New
Mexico and far west Texas. Recent rains over mountain forests may
reduce fire risk somewhat, but weather conditions will be
favorable for rapid drying of fine fuels and increasing ERCs back
above seasonal normals.
The National Weather Service in El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa has
issued a Fire Weather Watch for strong winds and low relative
humidity, which is in effect from Monday afternoon through Monday
evening.
* AFFECTED AREA…Fire Weather Zone 111 Southwest Deserts and
Lowlands/Las Cruces BLM/GLZ.
* TIMING…Monday and Tuesday afternoon and evening.
* WINDS…West 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph Monday and
25 to 35 mph with gusts to 50 mph Tuesday.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…As low as 8 percent Monday and 10 percent
Tuesday.
* TEMPERATURES…88 to 93.
* EXPERIMENTAL RFTI…4 to 5 or Critical on Monday and 6 to 7 or
Critical to Extreme on Tuesday.
* IMPACTS…Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
Outdoor burning is not recommended.
