IPAWS All Hazards CAP Feed

...CRITICAL TO EXTREME FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ON THURSDAY... ...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ON SATURDAY... .Deep southwest flow will increase this afternoon with the passage of an upper level jet streak. Deep surface low over eastern Colorado will extend a strong pressure gradient southward into New Mexico and west Texas, leading to strong winds area wide during the daytime hours today. West-southwest winds with sustained speeds of 30 to 40 mph and peak gusts around 55 mph combined with very low relative humidity values will lead to critical fire weather conditions and the risk of rapid fire start and spread. Fuel moisture had dried rapidly this month, especially along the desert lowlands, due to preexisting drought status and lack of recent precipitation. Winds subsiding overnight into Friday morning, picking back up again Friday and Saturday afternoons. On Saturday, particularly, there is high confidence much of the Rio Grande Valley, Tularosa Basin, and far West Texas will see critical fire concerns again. * WIND...West to southwest at 30 to 40 mph with gusts to 55 mph. * HUMIDITY...7 to 15 percent. * EXPERIMENTAL RFTI...6-8 Critical to Extreme in Southern New Mexico and Far West Texas desert lowlands. 5-7 Critical for Lincoln and Gila National Forests. * IMPACTS...any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.