Santa Teresa, N.M. – Strong winds and extremely low humidity Thursday are triggering critical fire weather conditions across southern New Mexico’s Sacramento Mountains.
According to the National Weather Service in El Paso/Santa Teresa, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. MST Thursday for the Capitan and Sacramento Mountains, including Lincoln National Forest (Fire Weather Zone 113).
Forecasters say an upper-level storm system moving through the region will generate southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph, and potentially approaching 50 mph in exposed areas during the afternoon.
At the same time, relative humidity is expected to drop as low as 8 percent, creating extremely dry conditions that allow fires to ignite and spread quickly. Temperatures in the affected area could climb to around 71 degrees Thursday afternoon, further increasing fire danger.
Meteorologists say the combination of strong winds, warm temperatures, and critically low humidity is the key driver behind the warning. Any fires that develop could spread rapidly and become difficult to control, especially in forested or grass-covered terrain.
While windy and dry conditions will also affect other parts of southern New Mexico, the National Weather Service noted that fuels in many surrounding areas are not yet critically dry, with the exception of grasses.
Winds are expected to continue through much of Thursday night into Friday morning, though humidity levels should rise above critical thresholds later Thursday evening.
Officials advise residents and visitors to avoid outdoor burning and activities that could spark fires during the warning period.
For students, hikers, and outdoor workers in the Lincoln National Forest region, even small sparks from equipment or vehicles could ignite fast-moving fires under these conditions.
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