...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING FOR MUCH OF NORTHEAST AND EAST CENTRAL NEW MEXICO DUE TO GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY... .Critical fire weather will likely develop Thursday afternoon east of the central mountain chain due to persistent surface low pressure, ample atmospheric mixing, gusty westerly winds, and well above average high temperatures. The greatest confidence for critical wind speeds will develop in the area from U.S.Highway 60 north to the Interstate 40 corridor and U.S. Highway 412. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Fire Weather Watch...which is in effect from Thursday afternoon through Thursday evening.
* AREA AND TIMING...The Northeast Plains (Zone 104), Northeast Highlands (Zone 123), Central Highlands (Zone 125), and East Central Plains (Zone 126) from Thursday afternoon through Thursday evening.
* 20 FOOT WINDS...Southwest to west 25-35 mph with occasional gusts to 50 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum values between 6 and 12 percent.
* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
* AFFECTED AREAS: NORTHEAST PLAINS ... NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS ... CENTRAL HIGHLANDS ... EAST CENTRAL PLAINS
