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
Flash Flooding Targets the Northeast, Severe Storms Possible

Flash Flooding Targets the Northeast, Severe Storms Possible

Stormy conditions in the Northeast will persi

12 Sep 2026 6:15 PM
Active Pattern Takes Shape Across the Upper Midwest

Active Pattern Takes Shape Across the Upper Midwest

An active weather pattern will bring several

12 Sep 2026 1:30 PM
No Hurricanes Yet in the Atlantic, A New Record

No Hurricanes Yet in the Atlantic, A New Record

For the first time in the satellite era (sinc

12 Sep 2026 11:05 AM
Tropics: Power Restoration Progresses in Kauai, Norbert Tracks West

Tropics: Power Restoration Progresses in Kauai, Norbert Tracks West

The Pacific Ocean has been incredibly active

12 Sep 2026 10:50 AM
NEW: 2026 Hottest U.S. Summer On Record

NEW: 2026 Hottest U.S. Summer On Record

If it felt like this summer was relentless an

12 Sep 2026 10:50 AM
High Heat & Humidity Across the Southwest

High Heat & Humidity Across the Southwest

Temperatures not only broke records on Wednes

10 Sep 2026 11:10 AM
Rounds of Severe Storms Target the Plains

Rounds of Severe Storms Target the Plains

The plains have had an active summer. Severe

10 Sep 2026 10:15 AM