New Mexico and Texas Fire Weather Alert: High Winds, Low Humidity Pose Fire Risk Wednesday

Country Herald is Local News, Independent Pulse. Covering breaking local news, sports, lifestyle and events.

Albuquerque, NM – A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for much of northeast and east-central New Mexico, as well as the western Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles, from late Wednesday morning through early Wednesday evening. Strong winds and extremely low humidity levels will increase wildfire risks.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Albuquerque, westerly winds of 20 to 30 mph, gusting up to 45 mph, will impact areas east of the Sangre De Cristo and Sandia Mountains. Relative humidity levels will drop between 8% and 13%, creating dangerous fire conditions. High temperatures may also approach record levels. Affected areas include the Northeast Plains, Northeast Highlands, Central Highlands, and East Central Plains.

Meanwhile, the NWS in Amarillo has also issued a Fire Weather Watch for parts of Oklahoma and Texas, including Cimarron (OK), Dallam, Hartley, Oldham, and Deaf Smith (TX) counties. Winds in these areas will reach 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph, and humidity could fall as low as 10%.

Fire Safety Precautions:

• Avoid outdoor burning or activitiesthat could spark fires.

• Secure loose items that could be carried by strong winds.

• Report any signs of fireto authorities immediately.

The Fire Weather Watch may be upgraded to a Red Flag Warning if conditions worsen. Residents are urged to stay updated through the National Weather Service.

This content first appeared on CountryHerald.com and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, or republication of this content, in whole or in part, without expressed written permission from Country Herald is strictly prohibited. Violators may be subject to legal action.