Albuquerque, New Mexico – Fires could spread explosively within minutes across eastern New Mexico starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday as wind gusts up to 70 mph combine with humidity as low as 14 percent, with even drier air arriving Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday for the Northeast Highlands, Northeast Plains, and East Central Plains, including Union, Quay, Curry, Roosevelt, and Harding counties. Southwest to west winds will increase to 30 to 40 mph with peak gusts between 55 and 70 mph. Minimum relative humidity will fall between 14 and 25 percent.
Another Red Flag Warning takes effect Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the Northeast and Central Highlands and the Northeast and East Central Plains, where humidity could plunge as low as 8 percent with gusts between 45 and 55 mph. A Fire Weather Watch also covers the Middle Rio Grande Valley for Wednesday afternoon.
Communities including Clovis, Tucumcari, Santa Rosa, Las Vegas, and Clayton face rapid fire growth potential. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and residents should avoid activities that generate sparks.
Winds shift northwest Thursday with slightly higher humidity, but critical conditions could redevelop east of the central mountain chain later this week.
