Weather Alert in New Mexico

Recent Locations: Roebuck, SC Lithia Springs, GA Rio Rancho, NM

Red Flag Warning issued February 16 at 12:23PM MST until February 17 at 7:00PM MST by NWS Albuquerque NM

AREAS AFFECTED: Northeast Highlands

DESCRIPTION: ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH 6 PM TODAY FOR THE NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY... ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 7 PM TUESDAY FOR THE NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NORTHEAST PLAINS, AND EAST-CENTRAL PLAINS DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 7 PM WEDNESDAY FOR ALL OF EASTERN NEW MEXICO AND THE MIDDLE RIO GRANDE VALLEY DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY... .Increasing southwest winds today combined with relative humidity values in the low teens will continue to result in critical fire weather conditions through this afternoon across the Northeast Highlands. Much stronger to damaging southwest to west winds will impact New Mexico Tuesday with critical fire weather over a larger area of eastern NM. Potential for peak wind gusts of 55 to 70 mph with minimum humidity values of 15 to 20% will allow for rapid fire spread among fine fuels. Another day of strong to potentially damaging winds are expected on Wednesday, and humidity values will be much lower than on Tuesday. Minimum humidity values on Wednesday will be between 8 and 18% across central and eastern NM. Any fires that are started on Tuesday may continue to burn through Wednesday. Critical fire weather conditions may also return on Thursday across eastern NM. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Fire Weather Watch...which is in effect from Wednesday morning through Wednesday evening. * AREA AND TIMING...Northeast Highlands (Zone 123) today, Tuesday and Wednesday. * 20 FOOT WINDS...For this afternoon, southwest 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. For Tuesday, southwest to west 30 to 40 mph with peak gusts of 55 to 70 mph. For Wednesday, southwest winds of 25 to 40 mph with peak gusts up to 55 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...For Monday afternoon, minimum values of 10 to 15%. For Tuesday afternoon, minimum values of 15 to 20%. For Wednesday afternoon, minimum values of 12 to 18%. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

INSTRUCTION: Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of this Red Flag Warning. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of this Fire Weather Watch.

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Weather Topic: What are Contrails?

Home - Education - Cloud Types - Contrails

Next Topic: Cumulonimbus Clouds

A contrail is an artificial cloud, created by the passing of an aircraft.

Contrails form because water vapor in the exhaust of aircraft engines is suspended in the air under certain temperatures and humidity conditions. These contrails are called exhaust contrails.

Another type of contrail can form due to a temporary reduction in air pressure moving over the plane's surface, causing condensation. These are called aerodynamic contrails.

When you can see your breath on a cold day, it is also because of condensation. The reason contrails last longer than the condensation from your breath is because the water in contrails freezes into ice particles.

Next Topic: Cumulonimbus Clouds

Weather Topic: What are Cumulus Clouds?

Home - Education - Cloud Types - Cumulus Clouds

Next Topic: Drizzle

Cumulus clouds are fluffy and textured with rounded tops, and may have flat bottoms. The border of a cumulus cloud is clearly defined, and can have the appearance of cotton or cauliflower.

Cumulus clouds form at low altitudes (rarely above 2 km) but can grow very tall, becoming cumulus congestus and possibly the even taller cumulonimbus clouds. When cumulus clouds become taller, they have a greater chance of producing precipitation.

Next Topic: Drizzle