Millions across the Southwest are being urged to avoid outdoor burning as “extremely critical” fire conditions continue into Friday.
Large parts of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Texas are under Red Flag Warnings this week, as the National Weather Service (NWS) warns that high winds and extremely low humidity could trigger dangerous and fast-spreading wildfires.
Why It Matters
Plans for outdoor Easter weekend events could be disrupted due to the high risk of wildfires highlighted by the red flag warnings.
What To Know
Affected regions include southeast Arizona, southeast Colorado, far west Texas, southwest Kansas, and the majority of New Mexico.
Red Flag Warnings are issued when a combination of dry fuels, high winds and low relative humidity create the potential for rapid wildfire spread.
“Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly,” the NWS said. “Outdoor burning is not recommended.”
Outdoor grilling, campfires, or any open flame can ignite dry grass or brush and lead to wildfires that are difficult to control.
The red flag warnings remain in effect through Thursday, though the critical fire weather conditions could redevelop on Friday across much of central and eastern New Mexico as strong southwest winds persist.
The NWS office in Albuquerque, New Mexico, advised residents in affected areas to avoid open flames or sparks, keep vehicles off dry grass, and to properly dispose of cigarettes.
Josie Norris/The San Antonio Express-News/AP
What People Are Saying
AccuWeather meteorologist Tyler Roys told Newsweek:”What is causing the red flag warnings for southeastern Colorado through New Mexico into southeastern Arizona is very dry conditions while wind gusts, especially on Thursday, could be upwards of 40-70 miles per hour.
“It will not take much for a brush fire to start. We are looking at a period of today through Friday as the period of concern with Thursday being the most dangerous.”
The NWS Storm Prediction Center wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Critical fire weather is expected today and tomorrow (Apr 16-17) across parts of the Southwest and southern High Plains, with extreme fire-weather conditions likely tomorrow from central into northeast NM. Please be aware and use extreme caution with potential ignition sources.”
NWS Albuquerque, New Mexico, wrote on X:”Drier and warmer today with increasing winds and fire danger. Winds increase further on Thursday resulting in widespread critical to extremely critical fire weather conditions.”
What Happens Next
The red flag warnings remain in effect through Thursday, the NWS said.
Forecasts are sometimes subject to change, and the NWS will issue regular updates on its website.
