Published: March 25, 2020
A strengthening area of low pressure will move into the central High Plains, causing west-southwesterly winds to accelerate down the slopes of the southern High Plains.
The southwestern United States faces a critical fire weather risk during the second half of this week, fueled by warm temperatures, dry air and strong winds.
Red flag warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service from eastern New Mexico to the northwestern Texas and Oklahoma panhandles, eastern Colorado, northwestern Kansas and southwestern Nebraska. These are areas where fire ignition and growth could happen rapidly.
Fire Weather Alerts
A critical fire weather risk area – the second-highest risk category – has been highlighted by NOAA's Storm Prediction Center for Thursday and Thursday night for eastern New Mexico, the northwestern Oklahoma Panhandle and eastern Colorado. Roswell, New Mexico, and Pueblo, Colorado, are included in the critical risk area.
A broader portion of the Southwest, including eastern Arizona, much of New Mexico, West Texas, western Oklahoma, western Kansas, eastern Colorado and southwestern Nebraska, is under an elevated fire weather risk. This includes cities such as Denver; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Amarillo and Lubbock, Texas; and Colby, Kansas.
West-southwesterly winds at 15 to 30 mph combined with relative humidities of 15 to 30% Thursday afternoon and evening will be conducive for the rapid spread of wildfires in these areas.
Thursday-Thursday Night Fire Weather Outlook
Fire weather concerns are expected to continue into Friday as well, according to NOAA's Storm Prediction Center.
With no rain predicted and winds forecast to remain strong, parts of eastern New Mexico, West Texas, the Oklahoma Panhandle, southwestern Kansas and southeastern Colorado will again be at risk for rapidly spreading wildfires Friday. Winds may top 40 mph, and relative humidities might drop to 10 to 15%.
"The overall scenario supports widespread critical fire weather, with higher-end potential evident," NOAA's Storm Prediction Center said in reference to Thursday and Friday.
Fire weather concerns may begin to subside slightly due to weaker winds by the weekend, but the air mass will remain dry, and a few localized areas of gusty winds could still develop each afternoon. That means residents of the Southwest still won't be able to let their guards down.
The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.
The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.
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