...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM UNTIL 8 PM TODAY ACROSS THE NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS AND PLAINS, CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, AND EAST CENTRAL PLAINS DUE TO STRONG WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING ACROSS THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS AND EAST CENTRAL PLAINS DUE TO STRONG WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY... .The combination of southwest wind gusts of 30 to 45 mph and very low humidity will elevate the risk of rapid fire spread across northeast and east central New Mexico today. Wind speeds will weaken during the evening and humidities will climb, easing fire weather concerns. Strong northwest winds and very low humidity will return Friday along the I-40 corridor of eastern NM. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Fire Weather Watch...which is in effect from Friday afternoon through Friday evening.
* AREA AND TIMING...Central Highlands (Zone 125) and East Central Plains (Zone 126).
* 20 FOOT WINDS...Southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph today. Northwest 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph Friday.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum values 9 to 13 percent each day.
* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommend.
* AFFECTED AREAS: CENTRAL HIGHLANDS ... EAST CENTRAL PLAINS
