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
Front Range Overnight Storms, More Thursday and Friday

Front Range Overnight Storms, More Thursday and Friday

FRONT RANGE - Large hail and strong winds pus

25 Jun 2026 2:15 AM
'MCS' Season for Oklahoma, Kansas and the Ozarks

'MCS' Season for Oklahoma, Kansas and the Ozarks

SOUTHERN PLAINS - Strong to severe thundersto

25 Jun 2026 2:05 AM
Utah Wildfires Explode in Size as Fire Danger Persists Across the West

Utah Wildfires Explode in Size as Fire Danger Persists Across the West

UTAH - Numerous wildfires continue to burn ac

25 Jun 2026 2:00 AM
Flood Threat Persists This Week

Flood Threat Persists This Week

OKLAHOMA - A flash flood emergency was issued

25 Jun 2026 1:55 AM
Weekend System To Shake up Pattern Across the Country

Weekend System To Shake up Pattern Across the Country

A significant early-summer trough is expected

25 Jun 2026 12:20 AM
Another Day of Heat For the West Before Changes

Another Day of Heat For the West Before Changes

This week, an upper-level ridge has taken ove

24 Jun 2026 6:30 PM
I-95 Corridor Under Severe Risk Today

I-95 Corridor Under Severe Risk Today

Devastating storms ripped through the heartla

23 Jun 2026 10:00 PM