On Monday at 3:58 p.m. the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning valid for Tuesday between noon and 10 p.m. for El Paso and Hudspeth counties.
The NWS states that the warning was issued for critical to extreme fire weather conditions. Residents can expect winds to be west 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph lowlands, 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph mountains and relative humidity 7 to 19 percent lowlands, 10 to 15 percent mountains.
“An approaching Pacific low pressure system moving into the Great Basin will induce strong winds across the Desert Southwest Tuesday and Wednesday. The region will continue quite dry with minimum RH in the single digits and very poor overnight recovery. Warmer than average temperatures will also persist, leading to deep mixing and instability. west to southwest winds will increase to 25 to 35 mph with gust 40 to 50 mph common in the afternoon both days. Area mountains will see slightly stronger winds, and higher gusts. Fire weather conditions will become Critical to Extreme each day across all of Southern New Mexico and far west Texas,” states the NWS. “Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.”
What does a red flag warning mean?
A red flag warning implies that either extreme fire weather conditions are currently taking place or will occur shortly, according to the NWS. Warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire to spread rapidly.
What are the recommended measures to take during a red flag warning?
A red flag warning demands vigilance and immediate readiness to respond to potential fires. The NWS provides these vital guidelines to minimize fire hazards and ensure your safety:
1. Secure burn barrels:
If burning is permitted in your area, ensure that all burn barrels have a weighted metal cover, complete with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.
2. Responsible disposal of smoking materials:
Steer clear of haphazardly discarding lit cigarette butts and avoid flinging cigarettes or matches from moving vehicles. These innocuous-seeming actions can kindle dry vegetation, potentially spawning a wildfire.
3. Properly extinguish outdoor fires:
To prevent inadvertent fires, diligently douse all outdoor fires. Quench them with a copious deluge of water and stir to guarantee complete cooling. Submerge charcoal until it’s thoroughly bereft of residual heat. Never depart from live charcoal unattended.
4. Never desert a blaze:
Avoid abandoning any fire without supervision. Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay informed, and act responsibly to protect lives and property.
Source: The National Weather Service
