…EXTENDED DURATION OF CRITICAL TO EXTREME FIRE WEATHER
CONDITIONS AREAWIDE MONDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY…
.Approaching low pressure system moving on shore over the Pacific
Northwest will induce stronger flow aloft across the Desert
Southwest this week. The currently present ridge of high pressure
will begin breaking down today, with winds strengthening across
the southwest deserts and lowlands amongst very low humidity.
Winds will strengthen further Tuesday through Wednesday areawide,
with gusts around 50 mph common in the afternoon. Already present
dry air will create critical to extreme fire weather conditions
for southern New Mexico and far west Texas for both Tuesday and
Wednesday.
The National Weather Service in El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa has
issued a Fire Weather Watch for for dry fuels, strong winds, and
very dry conditions, which is in effect both Tuesday and
Wednesday.
* AFFECTED AREA…All of Southern New Mexico, including the Gila
National Forest, Lincoln National Forest, Southern New Mexico
Lowlands. Fire Weather zones 110, 111, 112, and 113. Also
included is Far West Texas, El Paso county, fire weather zones
055.
* TIMING…Both Tuesday and Wednesday between 11 am and 9 pm.
* WINDS…Southwest 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…As low as 8 percent.
* TEMPERATURES…90-95 in the lowlands, 65-75 above 7500 ft.
* EXPERIMENTAL RFTI…6 to 7 or Critical to Extreme.
* IMPACTS…Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
Outdoor burning is not recommended.