El Paso, TX – A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for parts of southwestern New Mexico, warning of critical fire conditions on Saturday due to strong winds and low humidity.
According to the National Weather Service in El Paso, a cutoff low and trough will bring windy conditions to the region beginning late Saturday morning and continuing through the afternoon. South to southwest winds are expected to reach 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph. Combined with humidity levels as low as 7 percent and extremely dry fuels, this creates an elevated fire danger.
The affected areas include Fire Weather Zones 110 and 111, covering the Southwest Mountains, Gila National Forest, Apache National Forest, and Las Cruces BLM lands. The highest fire risk is anticipated across the lowlands extending to the Arizona state line after 11 a.m. MST.
Officials warn that any fires that develop under these conditions could spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Residents and visitors in the area should exercise extreme caution with any potential ignition sources and stay updated on fire weather alerts.
A Fire Weather Watch indicates that critical fire weather conditions are possible. If conditions persist or worsen, the NWS may upgrade the watch to a Red Flag Warning. Stay tuned to local forecasts for updates.
