Critical Fire Risk in West Texas, New Mexico

news image
Top Stories
27 Apr 2024 9:00 PM

A critical fire risk is in place for west Texas, eastern Colorado, and New Mexico through the weekend as gusty winds and dry grasses and low humidity create a dangerous situation. If a spark were to start, these are the conditions where rapid, life-threatening fire growth would be possible. Humidity values will be in the teens, meaning there will be no moisture in our atmosphere to help taper fire growth.

Gusty winds are anticipated on Sunday, especially through New Mexico and West Texas. Winds could gust up to 40 mph unlike Saturday where gusts reached near 60s mph in Southern New Mexico. If a flame starts, it will move as quickly as the winds, at about 40 mph. We can't stress enough how critical this weekend's fire risk is.

Drought conditions are extreme and exceptional for southern New Mexico, while most of the region is experiencing moderate drought. Northern New Mexico and SW Texas are experiencing pockets of severe drought (level 3 out of 5).

All Weather News
More
A Clipper Brings Additional Quick Snow to the Northeast

A Clipper Brings Additional Quick Snow to the Northeast

The Northeast has gotten another few inches o

26 Feb 2026 1:50 AM
Spring & Summer Like Temperatures for the Southwest

Spring & Summer Like Temperatures for the Southwest

This week brings some nice days to the southe

26 Feb 2026 1:45 AM
Elevated Fire Danger Across Southern Plains

Elevated Fire Danger Across Southern Plains

Last week, multiple fires broke out across th

26 Feb 2026 1:45 AM
Fire Burns Through the Florida Everglades, Prompting Road Closures

Fire Burns Through the Florida Everglades, Prompting Road Closures

A fast-moving brush fire is burning across pa

26 Feb 2026 12:50 AM
Total Lunar Eclipse Visible Across North America Tuesday Morning

Total Lunar Eclipse Visible Across North America Tuesday Morning

A blood moon will soon be gracing (clear) ski

26 Feb 2026 12:30 AM
Northeast Hit By Historic Snowstorm

Northeast Hit By Historic Snowstorm

MAJOR SYSTEM RECAP:The Northeast hasn't seen

25 Feb 2026 3:50 PM
Heavy Rain Wrapping Up Out West

Heavy Rain Wrapping Up Out West

Inches of rain and feet of snow fell across t

25 Feb 2026 3:00 AM