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
Active Pattern Takes Shape Across the Plains

Active Pattern Takes Shape Across the Plains

The active pattern sticks around the plains.

14 Sep 2026 6:25 PM
Tropics: Power Restoration Progresses in Kauai, Norbert & Fifteen-E Track West

Tropics: Power Restoration Progresses in Kauai, Norbert & Fifteen-E Track West

The Pacific Ocean has been incredibly active

14 Sep 2026 6:20 PM
Rounds of Storms Increase the Flood Threat in the Midwest

Rounds of Storms Increase the Flood Threat in the Midwest

It's no secret that the Midwest has been the

14 Sep 2026 6:15 PM
Summer Heat Holds it's Grip on the South

Summer Heat Holds it's Grip on the South

Fall may be getting closer on the calendar, b

14 Sep 2026 6:00 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

14 Sep 2026 1:30 PM
Storms Winding Down Across Northeast

Storms Winding Down Across Northeast

WHAT TO EXPECT Record rainfall has fallen acr

14 Sep 2026 1:10 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