Midland, Texas – Fires could spread out of control in minutes across West Texas and southeast New Mexico starting late Friday morning as wind gusts hit 50 mph and humidity drops into the single digits.
According to the National Weather Service in Midland/Odessa, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect from 11 a.m. CST (10 a.m. MST) to 8 p.m. CST Friday for the northern Permian Basin, Upper Trans Pecos, Davis Mountains, Marfa Plateau, Van Horn corridor and parts of southeast New Mexico. West winds will increase to 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Relative humidity will fall as low as 9 to 10 percent.
Communities including Midland, Odessa, Andrews, Marfa, Van Horn, Carlsbad and Hobbs face critical fire weather conditions. The combination of dry fuels, strong winds and very low humidity means any spark could ignite fast-moving grassfires capable of crossing highways such as Interstate 20 and U.S. 90.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Secure trailer chains, avoid parking on dry grass and delay activities that create sparks.
Critical fire conditions will peak during the afternoon and ease after sunset, but additional warnings are possible if winds remain elevated into the weekend.
