Las Cruces, NM – A Red Flag Warning has been issued for southern New Mexico as critical fire weather conditions are expected Tuesday, posing an elevated wildfire risk across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in El Paso, the warning will be in effect from noon to 7 p.m. MST Tuesday, impacting the Southwest Deserts, Lowlands, and the Southern Rio Grande Valley. Strong west-southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, combined with humidity levels as low as 10 percent, will create ideal conditions for fire spread.
The highest fire threat will occur west of the Rio Grande Valley after 2 p.m., where dry fuels and near-record dryness over the past few months have heightened the risk. The Experimental Fire Risk Threat Index (RFTI) ranges between 4 and 6 on a 10-point scale, indicating significant fire potential.
Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning and activities that could spark fires, as any ignitions could spread rapidly under these conditions. Officials recommend securing outdoor items and being prepared for gusty winds throughout the day.
The warning replaces the previous Fire Weather Watch and serves as a crucial alert for communities in the affected areas.
