Fire Danger Elevated through West Texas

news image
Top Stories
6 Feb 2023 9:10 PM

Warm temperatures, dry air and gusty winds are setting the Big Bend of West Texas up for the fire risk on Monday. The Storm Prediction Center (which also issues severe weather outlooks) has issued a elevated fire risk through west Texas on Monday (above). Relative humidity values will be in the single digits and low teens throughout the day on Monday, meaning any spark that is created will be able to spread quickly through dry brush. Relative humidity values rise slightly after the sun goes down.

In addition to the fire outlooks we also have wind alerts in effect for southern New Mexico today as gusts could be in the range of 25-40 mph over the highest peaks. This could cause hazardous travel for high profile vehicles on I-25.

Temperatures will be in the 70s today as a result of down sloping winds. As a cold front and area of low pressure pass through Monday night and Tuesday, temperatures will drop, as much as 20 degrees in some locations of west Texas! Winter is making its presence known.

As a reminder, we are still dealing with widespread drought conditions through the Southern Plains. Extreme and exceptional drought (the highest categories) are in place through much of the area, meaning fuels are dry and will lead to the potential of fast moving flames through dry brush.

All Weather News
More
Extreme Cold to Impact Millions this Weekend

Extreme Cold to Impact Millions this Weekend

A sharp surge of Arctic air is set to spill i

7 Feb 2026 3:10 AM
Another Round of Snow Targets the Eastern U.S.

Another Round of Snow Targets the Eastern U.S.

Are you tired of snow yet? If so, I have bad

7 Feb 2026 3:05 AM
Record Heat Moves from West to Midwest

Record Heat Moves from West to Midwest

Friday more records fell in Montana with hig

7 Feb 2026 3:00 AM
California Snow Pack Drops After Dry January

California Snow Pack Drops After Dry January

Following a surge of wet storm systems in Dec

7 Feb 2026 2:55 AM
Big Game Forecast!

Big Game Forecast!

The championship of the National Football Lea

7 Feb 2026 2:50 AM
Another Cold Night for Residents of the Southeast

Another Cold Night for Residents of the Southeast

Following a historic winter storm last weeken

6 Feb 2026 3:15 AM
Thousands of Customers Still Remain Without Power

Thousands of Customers Still Remain Without Power

While it has now been about a week since a ma

3 Feb 2026 5:40 PM