...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 8 PM THURSDAY FOR MUCH OF NORTHEAST AND EAST CENTRAL NEW MEXICO DUE TO GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY... .Critical fire weather conditions will develop Thursday afternoon east of the central mountain chain due to well above average temperatures, ample atmospheric mixing, gusty westerly winds, very low humidity values and dry fuels. The greatest confidence for critical fire weather conditions exists along and 50 miles either side of Interstate 40 from Clines Corners eastward to the Texas border. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Red Flag Warning...which is in effect from noon to 8 PM MDT Thursday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.
* AREA AND TIMING...The Northeast Plains (Zone 104), Northeast Highlands (Zone 123), Central Highlands (Zone 125), and East Central Plains (Zone 126) from noon through 8 PM Thursday.
* 20 FOOT WINDS...Southwest to west 25 to 35 mph with occasional gusts up 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
