Albuquerque, NM – A Red Flag Warning has been issued for the Albuquerque area and surrounding regions as dry conditions and strong winds combine to create a high fire danger Saturday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, the warning remains in effect from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. MDT Saturday across the Sandia and Manzano Mountains, Northeast Highlands, West Central Mountains, and eastern plains, including the I-40 corridor from Gallup to the Texas border. Southwest winds are expected to reach 20 to 35 mph, with gusts peaking near 45 mph. Relative humidity values will plummet into the upper single digits to low teens, increasing the risk for fast-moving wildfires.
A Fire Weather Watch is also in place for the Central Highlands on Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m., as conditions are expected to remain volatile. Winds will again intensify, and dry fuel loads will continue to pose a serious fire spread threat…