Fire Weather Watch New Mexico | Effective 03/13/2026 20:47

Headline: 
Fire Weather Watch issued March 13 at 9:47PM MDT until March 15 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
Event: 
Fire Weather Watch
Urgency: 
Future
Effective: 
March 13, 2026 - 8:47pm
Expires: 
March 14, 2026 - 6:00am
Description: 
...CRITICAL FIRE CONDITIONS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ACROSS SOUTHWEST, SOUTH CENTRAL NEW MEXICO AND FAR WEST TEXAS... High pressure nudging in from the west is causing temperatures to be well above seasonal averages, and relative humidity to be critically low this weekend. Daily highs Saturday and Sunday will average over 10 degrees above normal, as relative humidity values drops into the low teens and single-digits both days, with very poor overnight recovery. A two-day trough passage to our north will add increased winds mid afternoon on Saturday, which will continue and further strengthen overnight into Sunday. These winds combined with single digit RH's, warm temperatures, and drying fuels will lead to critical fire weather conditions. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 110 Southwest Mountains/Gila NF/Apache NF/GLZ. * TIMING...From mid-afternoon to late-evening Saturday. Noon to 6 PM Sunday. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 9 percent. * TEMPERATURES...Up to 76. * WIND... Northwest winds 20-25 mph with gusts to 40 MPH * HUMIDITY...7 to 11 percent * HIGHEST THREAT... High exposed area and east Slopes of Area Mountains * EXPERIMENTAL RFTI... 4 to 5 Marginally critical to critical * IMPACTS...any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Instruction: 
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings.
Area Description: 
Southwest Mountains
Forcast Office: 
NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
Sender: 
w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov