...EXTENDED PERIOD OF RAPID FIRE SPREAD ACROSS EASTERN NEW MEXICO... .A storm system approaching from the west will allow south winds to increase on Monday. This combined with relative humidity values in the low teens will result in critical fire weather conditions across parts of northeast NM Monday afternoon. Much stronger to damaging southwest to west winds will impact New Mexico Tuesday with critical fire weather over a larger area of eastern NM. Potential for peak wind gusts of 55 to 70 mph with minimum humidity values of 15 to 20% will allow for rapid fire spread among fine fuels.
* AREA AND TIMING...Northeast Plains (Zone 104) and East-Central Plains (Zone 126) from late Tuesday morning through Tuesday afternoon.
* 20 FOOT WINDS...Southwest to west 30 to 40 mph with peak gusts of 55 to 65 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum values of 14 to 25%.
* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
* AFFECTED AREAS: NORTHEAST PLAINS ... EAST CENTRAL PLAINS
