Midland, Texas – Explosive fire conditions will develop by late morning across the Permian Basin and southeast New Mexico, with humidity dropping near 9 percent and wind gusts reaching 50 mph through 8 p.m. CST Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Midland/Odessa, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect from 11 a.m. CST (10 a.m. MST) until 8 p.m. CST (7 p.m. MST) for the Chaves and Eddy Plains, Lea County, the northern Permian Basin, Upper Trans Pecos, Van Horn and Highway 54 Corridor, Davis Mountains and Marfa Plateau. West winds will range from 20 to 30 mph with stronger gusts, while minimum relative humidity falls between 9 and 15 percent.
Any fire that starts will spread quickly and erratically.
Communities including Carlsbad, Hobbs, Midland, Odessa, Andrews, Van Horn and Marfa face the highest risk during peak afternoon winds. Blowing dust may also reduce visibility along Interstate 20, U.S. 285 and Highway 54.
What residents should do now: Avoid outdoor burning, secure trailer chains and park vehicles away from dry grass.
Winds ease gradually after sunset, but dry fuels remain in place heading into the weekend. The Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. CST Friday.
