As New Mexico transitions from winter into Spring, we need to recognize and remember some of the severe weather situations that accompany the change. Traditionally we are moving into a period of drier and windier weather patterns. With this change the threat of wild land fire increases. Over the next few months the Bernalillo County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management will rebroadcast significant threats for fire emergencies in the forms of "Fire Weather Advisories" and "Red Flag Warnings". Some of the terms used are defined below:
Advisory - Highlights special weather conditions that are less serious than a warning. They are for events that may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
Watch - A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so that those who need to set their plans in motion can do so.
Warning - A warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring. A warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life or property.
Red Flag Warning - A term used by fire-weather forecasters to call attention to limited weather conditions of particular importance that may result in extreme burning conditions. It is issued when it is an on-going event or the fire weather forecaster has a high degree of confidence that Red Flag criteria will occur within 24 hours of issuance. Red Flag criteria occurs
• whenever a geographical area has been in a dry spell for a week or two, or for a shorter period if before spring green-up or after fall color,
• and the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) is high to extreme
• and the following forecast weather parameters are forecasted to be met:
1) a sustained wind average 15 mph or greater
2) relative humidity less than or equal to 25 percent and
3) a temperature of greater than 75 degrees F.
In some states, dry lightning and unstable air are criteria. A Fire Weather Watch may be issued prior to the Red Flag Warning.
