Midland, Texas – Extreme fire weather conditions across West Texas and southeast New Mexico are increasing the risk of rapidly spreading wildfires Thursday and Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Midland/Odessa, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. CST Thursday (7 p.m. MST) across large parts of the region, including the Guadalupe and Sacramento Mountains, the Davis Mountains, the Marfa Plateau, the New Mexico Plains, and eastern Culberson County.
A second Red Flag Warning is scheduled from 11 a.m. CST (10 a.m. MST) Friday through 7 p.m. CST (6 p.m. MST), expanding fire weather concerns into areas such as the Northwest Permian Basin and Reeves County Plains.
Forecasters say the warning is driven by a dangerous combination of very low humidity and strong winds. Relative humidity could fall as low as 7 percent, while southwest to west winds of 20 to 30 mph may produce gusts up to 50 mph.
Those conditions significantly increase the chance that any spark could ignite and spread quickly.
“Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly,” the National Weather Service said in the alert, noting that dry fuels across the region are contributing to the elevated fire danger.
The agency rated the fire weather environment at 5 out of 10, with near-critical to critical weather conditions expected through the warning period.
Officials strongly advise residents to avoid outdoor burning, properly secure trailers and equipment that could produce sparks, and use caution with anything that could ignite dry grass or brush.
Commuters traveling through open desert or mountain corridors may also encounter reduced visibility from blowing dust along with fire hazards, particularly during stronger wind gusts.
Authorities say residents should remain alert for any wildfire activity and follow guidance from local emergency officials.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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