Fire Weather Outlook Discussion
Issued by NWS
Issued by NWS
567 FNUS21 KWNS 261700 FWDDY1 Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1159 AM CDT Sun May 26 2024 Valid 261700Z - 271200Z No changes are needed to the current D1 Fire Weather Outlook. See discussion below for more information. ..Thornton.. 05/26/2024 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 0127 AM CDT Sun May 26 2024/ ...Synopsis... Widespread elevated fire weather conditions are anticipated this afternoon across a large swath of New Mexico and the southern High Plains. As with previous days, a very dry air mass, characterized by overnight single-digit dewpoints and RH values, remains in place across much NM and the southern High Plains. With no appreciable moisture return through the weekend, another day of very dry conditions is expected. Surface winds will be weaker today compared to Saturday, as a mid-level wave and attendant surface low shift east away from the region. However, building surface high pressure across the Intermountain West, combined with modest lee troughing along the Rio Grande Valley, should promote 15 mph northwesterly winds across NM, eastern CO, and adjacent portions of KS, OK, and TX. While elevated fire weather conditions may be somewhat widespread, wildfire concerns will be greatest across NM and western TX, where fuels are currently receptive after several days of minimal rainfall and hot/dry conditions. Drier/windier solutions - namely the HRRR and RAP, which tend to over-mix the boundary layer - suggest localized critical conditions are possible. While this potential is noted, confidence in sufficiently widespread, sustained 20+ mph winds is too limited to warrant critical risk areas. ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... $$