...RED FLAG WARNING THURSDAY FROM 9 AM TO 8 PM MDT FOR THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY, WEST CENTRAL BASIN AND RANGE, AND ALONG AND EAST OF THE CENTRAL MOUNTAIN CHAIN DUE TO STRONG WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY...
.Westerly winds in the upper levels will increase over New Mexico through Thursday, while a surface trough redevelops in the lee of the southern Rockies. This will result in widespread west and northwest wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph with higher gusts up to 55 mph over the central to northeastern highlands. Humidity will also plummet Thursday afternoon. Outside of the warned area, locally critical fire weather conditions are likely today, especially in the northwest mountains and near the Arizona border.
* AREA AND TIMING...Middle Rio Grande Valley (Zone 106), West Central Basin and Range (Zone 109), Sandia and Manzano Mountains (Zone 124) from 9 AM to 8 PM MDT Thursday.
* 20 FOOT WINDS...Westerly winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts to 50 mph. The strongest winds will be found over the Sandia and Manzano mountains.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum values 9 to 13 percent.
* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of this Red Flag Warning.
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