Record Heat - Red Flag Warning Today.

- October 17, 2011

SE NM & W TX Today.

Map Is Courtesy Of The Midland NWS Office.

Maps Are Courtesy Of The Lubbock NWS Office.

New Mexico Today & Tuesday.

Maps Are Courtesy Of The Albuquerque NWS Office.

Southern New Mexico Today & Tonight.

Maps Are Courtesy Of The El Paso NWS Office.

Hot, Dry & Windy Today.

A Red Flag Warning will be in effect for SE NM & W TX today. It will be in effect at noon and will continue until 9 PM MDT tonight. High temperatures today are forecast to range from around 94 in the Roswell area, to 95 in the Artesia and Hobbs areas, to 98 in Carlsbad. Some locations will either tie, or break their daily record highs for the date today. See the list below.

With near record to record high temps, relative humidity values dropping down into the single digits, and west to northwesterly winds at 20-35 mph along with gusts up to 40-45 mph, dangerous fire weather conditions will once again return to the area. Please refrain from any type of outdoor activity that involves the use of sparks or flame today.

A strong, but dry cold front will dive southward and into SE NM by around sunset. Gusty northerly winds will accompany the frontal passage. Gusts to be as high as 45 mph or possibly stronger in a few places. Localized areas of blowing dust may also develop in a few areas as the cold front sweeps southward late this afternoon and early this evening. This will be especially true near open farmland, fields, lots, construction sites, and other dust prone areas.

Cooler weather will overspread the area behind the front tomorrow and Wednesday. Highs will range from the upper 60's to near 70 tomorrow, and the mid-upper 70's on Wednesday. Overnight lows will be a little on the chilly side with the upper 30's to low 40's expected tomorrow morning as well as Wednesday morning. A few of the normally colder locations may be a few degrees colder.

Long-range models are continuing the current trend of keeping us dry, along with above normal temperatures through the next 10 - 14 days. And so the drought drags on with no relief in sight.

Record High Temps Temps For Oct 17th.

(Normal High/Low Temps For Oct 17th).

Roswell 93 in 1991 & earlier yrs.

Normal High/Low 75/46

Artesia 92 in 1964

Normal High/ Low 77/43

Carlsbad 100 in 1902

Normal High/Low 78/47

Carlsbad Airport 95 in 1991

Normal High/Low 78/48

Hobbs 91 in 1991 & earlier yrs

Normal High/Low 78/49