Headline:
Red Flag Warning issued March 13 at 9:47PM MDT until March 15 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
Event:
Red Flag Warning
Urgency:
Expected
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 113 Capitan and Sacramento
Mountains/Lincoln NF/LNZ.
* TIMING...Mid afternoon Saturday, Saturday night, through
Sunday afternoon.
* WINDS...West 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 70 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 7 percent.
* TEMPERATURES...Up to 76.
* HIGHEST THREAT...is located on the eastern slopes of the
Sacramento 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.
Area Description:
Capitan And Sacramento Mountains
Forcast Office:
NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
Sender:
w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov