Midland, TX – A dangerous combination of 40 mph wind gusts and bone-dry air will create explosive wildfire conditions across the Permian Basin and southeast New Mexico by late morning Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Midland/Odessa, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. CST (10 a.m. MST) until 8 p.m. CST (7 p.m. MST) for the New Mexico Plains, including Lea, Eddy and Chaves counties, along with much of West Texas including Midland, Ector, Andrews, Martin, Gaines, Ward, Winkler, Loving, Dawson, Culberson and Reeves counties. West winds will increase to 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph, while relative humidity drops as low as 10 percent.
Fire danger indices place fuels in the 70th to 89th percentile, meaning vegetation will ignite easily and fires could spread rapidly across open rangeland and oilfield areas. Blowing embers may travel ahead of a fire line, especially along U.S. Highway 285, Interstate 20 and rural lease roads.
Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning, secure trailer chains and delay welding or grinding operations. Any fire that starts could grow quickly through early evening before winds gradually ease after sunset. Additional advisories may follow if dry, windy conditions continue later this week.
