Regional Outbreak Of Wildfires Possible Today!

Forecast Position Of The Cold Front At Midnight.

Much Of NM & W TX Will Experience Extremely Critically

Dangerous Fire Weather Conditions Today!

Extremely Critically Dangerous Fire Weather

Conditions Possible Today!

Updated Special Weather Web Video Briefing
Courtesy Of The Albuquerque NWS Office.

Today has the potential to be a really bad day across much of the state and most of West Texas. There is the possibility of a Regional Outbreak of Wildfires today! This is a very dangerous fire weather situation, and a potentially life threatening fire weather event! Any wild land fire that should develop will have the potential to rapidly spread and grow in the high winds, record high temperatures, extremely dry conditions, due to the worsening drought over the entire area! Please refrain from any type of outdoor activity that involves the use of sparks or flame.

A High Wind Warning continues in effect for much of New Mexico through this evening. Southwesterly to westerly winds are forecast to be sustained at around 35-45 mph with gusts to around 60 - 70 mph across most of the state today. A Wind Advisory is in effect for Eddy and Lea Counties. Southwesterly to westerly winds are forecast to become sustained at around 25 - 35 mph with gusts to around 45 - 50 mph later this morning. Some locations may experience higher gusts this afternoon and evening, especially when the cold front approaches, and in those locations near the foothills and mountains.

These winds will be capable of producing property damage especially with any wind gusts that reach of exceed 60 mph. Power lines and other suspended lines and cables may be blown down, there may be damage to shingles and roofs, small trees and tree limbs may be blown down, sheds, barns, and other outbuildings may be blown down, and irrigation sprinklers may be blown away. High profile vehicles and small profile vehicles will be prone to being blown over on some highways and roadways during the higher wind gusts, especially on the north and south facing roadways.

Areas of blowing dust are expected to develop across much of the state later today in the howling winds. Sudden drops in the visibility down to near zero with little to no advanced warning will be possible, this will be especially true near freshly plowed or exposed farmlands, fields, lots, and construction sites. During the stronger winds gusts in or near these dust prone areas, blinding clouds of dust may make it impossible to see more than a few feet in front of you at times.

The Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction!