Full Notification

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT TODAY 12 PM TO 9 PM MDT FOR ALL OF EASTERN NEW MEXICO DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT SATURDAY 11 AM TO 8 PM MDT FOR THE SANDIA AND MANZANO MOUNTAINS BELOW SNOW PACK AND ALL OF EASTERN NEW MEXICO DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY... .Critical fire weather conditions are expected again today across eastern New Mexico. Gusty southwest winds will return while humidity values fall below 10 percent for several hours in the afternoon. A surface trough in the lee of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains will produce the strongest winds there, with winds a little lighter and humidities a little lower further south. Though high temperatures will be a few degrees below average, high fire danger persists in fine fuels. Winds will decrease Thursday evening, mitigating the critical fire weather concerns. After a break from the strong winds on Friday, westerly winds will ramp back up on Saturday for the Sandia and Manzano Mountains and all of eastern New Mexico. Very low humidity values are expected as temperatures rise above normal. The combination of low humidity, above normal temperatures and strong winds will create widespread fire weather conditions. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Red Flag Warning...which is in effect from noon today to 9 PM MDT this evening. A Fire Weather Watch has also been issued. This Fire Weather Watch is in effect from Saturday morning through Saturday evening.

* AREA AND TIMING...Central Highlands and East Central Plains (Zones 125 and 126) from noon until 9 PM MDT today and again Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM MDT.

* 20 FOOT WINDS...For today, southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. For Saturday, west 25 to 35 with gusts up to 50 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...For today, minimum humidity values between 5 and 9 percent. For Saturday, minimum humidity between 8 and 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

* AFFECTED AREAS: CENTRAL HIGHLANDS ... EAST CENTRAL PLAINS

Instructions:

Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of this Red Flag Warning. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of this Fire Weather Watch.