El Paso, TX – A Red Flag Warning has been issued for Thursday afternoon and evening across portions of south-central New Mexico and Far West Texas, with dangerous fire weather conditions expected due to strong winds and low humidity.
According to the National Weather Service in El Paso, the warning will be in effect from noon to 7 p.m. MST Thursday. Southwest winds between 30 and 45 mph, with gusts reaching up to 65 mph, will create hazardous fire conditions across affected areas, including the Sacramento Mountains, Lincoln National Forest, El Paso County, Hudspeth County, and the Southern Rio Grande Valley.
Humidity levels will drop as low as 8% in some areas, contributing to an increased risk of rapid fire spread. The Experimental Fire Threat Index (RFTI) rates this event between 4 and 7 on a scale of 10, indicating a high potential for extreme fire behavior.
Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning and any activities that could ignite fires. Strong winds combined with dry fuels and warm temperatures could cause any fires that develop to spread uncontrollably.
Officials advise monitoring local weather updates and adhering to all fire restrictions. Emergency services remain on alert, prepared to respond if fires break out in the region.
