ELEVATED TO NEAR CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS SUNDAY AFTERNOON... .A weather system passing north of the area on Sunday will generate strong west winds over the area, resulting in wind speeds in the 25 to 35 mph range by the afternoon. Very dry conditions persist with relative humidity values across the desert lowlands to be in the lower to middle teens. These conditions will result in high fire danger that will allow fires to spread quickly. Cooler temperatures behind a passing cold front will slightly lower the threat. Humidity values in the mountains will be higher and will lessen fire danger chances to below critical thresholds. Far western area will also see lower winds and lesser chances for critical fire weather conditions.

NEW MEXICO FIRE WEATHER ZONE 111
SOUTHWEST DESERTS AND LOWLANDS/LAS CRUCES BLM/GLZ-

NEW MEXICO FIRE WEATHER ZONE 112
SOUTH CENTRAL LOWLANDS AND SOUTHERN RIO GRANDE VALLEY/BLM/GLZ-
TEXAS FIRE WEATHER ZONE 055
EL PASO COUNTY-TEXAS FIRE WEATHER ZONE 056
HUDSPETH COUNTY-
132 PM MST Sat Mar 5 2022

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 7 PM MST SUNDAY FOR
STRONG WINDS, LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY, AND HIGH FIRE DANGER...

The National Weather Service in El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa has
issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from noon to 7 PM
MST Sunday.

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire weather zones 111 and 112 in southwest
and south central New Mexico. Fire weather zone 055 and 056 in
far west Texas. Stronger winds and more elevated fire weather
conditions are expected over lowlands east of the Rio Grande
valley.

* WIND...East of the Rio Grande valley, west to southwest winds of
25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. West of the Rio Grande
valley, west winds of 15 to 30 mph with gust to 40 mph.

* HUMIDITY...13 to 17 percent

* HIGHEST THREAT...is located across the lowlands east of the Rio
Grande valley, including Hudspeth and Otero counties, where the
relative humidity will be lower, winds will be stronger, and
temperatures will be warmer.

* IMPACTS...any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
Outdoor burning is not recommended. Be careful with producing
sparks outdoors.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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.