Lubbock, TX – A Red Flag Warning is in effect across the southern South Plains, including Lubbock and surrounding counties, as extreme fire weather conditions develop through Wednesday. Residents are urged to take precautions as strong winds and low humidity create a heightened risk for wildfires.
According to the National Weather Service in Lubbock, the Red Flag Warning is active from noon to 7 p.m. CDT Tuesday, with a Fire Weather Watch extending into Wednesday evening. Winds from the west are expected to reach 15 to 20 mph Tuesday, increasing to 20 to 30 mph Wednesday. Relative humidity levels will drop to between 5 and 10 percent Tuesday and 10 to 15 percent Wednesday, exacerbating fire risk. Critically dry fuels make any fire outbreak highly dangerous.
Further west, the National Weather Service in El Paso has issued a Red Flag Warning for southern New Mexico and far west Texas, including the Rio Grande Valley and Sacramento Mountains. Winds in these areas could gust up to 40 mph, with humidity levels as low as 6 percent. The warning remains in effect from noon to 8 p.m. MDT Tuesday.
Officials strongly discourage outdoor burning and activities that could spark fires. Residents should stay alert for updates and adhere to local fire restrictions as conditions remain hazardous through midweek.
