ALBUQUERQUE, NM – New Mexico’s fire season intensifies today, with the National Weather Service issuing a Red Flag Warning for the Upper Rio Grande and Lower Chama River Valleys, as well as areas along and east of the Central Mountain Chain. The warning will be in effect from 10 AM to 8 PM MDT, warning of extreme fire danger due to strong winds, low humidity, and high temperatures.
Critical conditions are expected as west-southwest winds gust up to 45 mph, combining with humidity levels falling to between 4% and 10%. This makes outdoor burning dangerous, with fires likely to spread rapidly if they ignite.
According to the National Weather Service, finer fuels and grasses that have not yet greened up are especially vulnerable to quick fire spread. This warning covers a wide range of regions, including West Central Mountains, the Upper Rio Grande Valley, and East Central Plains.
Residents are advised to refrain from outdoor burning and stay alert to rapidly changing conditions. Firefighters and officials are being urged to prepare for quick response due to the elevated risk.
