Fire Weather Warning
Expires 9:00 PM MDT on May 20, 2013
Statement as of 6:53 am MDT on May 20, 2013
... Red flag warning remains in effect from noon today to 9 PM MDT
this evening due to strong winds and low humidity...
* area affected: portions of southwest and south-central New
Mexico including fire weather zones 110 111 112 and 113. Far
West Texas including fire weather zone 055.
* Timing: today from noon to 9 PM MDT.
* Wind: west 20 to 25 mph at the 20-foot level with gusts 30 to 35
mph in the afternoon... strongest west of the Rio Grande and
along east facing mountain slopes. Lighter winds in the northern
Tularosa basin away from the San Andres range.
* Humidity: minimum 5 to 9 percent in The Lowlands... 9 to 15
percent in the higher elevations.
* Impacts... any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Precautionary/preparedness actions...
A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now... or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds... low relative humidity... and warm temperatures will
create extreme fire growth potential.