…RED FLAG WARNING FOR THE NORTHWEST PLATEAU, WEST CENTRAL
MOUNTAINS, WEST CENTRAL BASIN AND RANGE AS WELL AS THE UPPER RIO
GRANDE AND LOWER CHAMA RIVER VALLEYS 11 AM TO 9 PM SATURDAY DUE TO
STRONG WINDS, VERY LOW HUMIDITY, AND HIGH FIRE DANGER…
.South to southwest winds will trend stronger Saturday
afternoon, increasing the risk of rapid fire spread. Poor
overnight humidity recoveries, especially across western New
Mexico, will allow relative humidity values to plummet quickly
with daytime heating. Several hours of humidity values between
five and ten percent will further contribute to the rapid drying
of fuels across western New Mexico. Humidity values will not be as
low across the Upper Rio Grande and Lower Chama River Valleys,
however, several hours of sub-15 percent humidity is forecast.
* AREA AND TIMING…Northwest Plateau (Zone 101), West Central
Mountains (Zone 105) and West Central Basin and Range (Zone
109)from 11 AM to 9 PM Saturday.
* 20 FOOT WINDS…Southwest 20 to 25 mph with gusts to 45 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…5 to 10 percent.
* IMPACTS…Any ongoing or new fires that develop will likely
spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
