Dangerous fire weather develops Saturday afternoon

An extremely high fire danger will develop Saturday in parts of New Mexico due to high winds and dry air. Calmer conditions return by Memorial Day.

Winds were a little lighter Friday afternoon over New Mexico. The big concern is Saturday, as west and southwest winds will gust up to 55 mph late in the afternoon. The windy weather will combine with very warm temperatures and extremely dry air to create an extreme fire risk for the Sacramento Mountains and Lincoln National Forest areas. This means that if a wildfire developed on Saturday, it would spread quickly. The rest of New Mexico is at high and critical fire risk. Winds will slowly ease beginning after sunset Saturday evening, and calmer conditions will return Sunday morning.

Breezy afternoon winds will return Sunday afternoon, but will not be as strong as Saturday. A few gusts up to 40 mph could be possible with northwest winds on Sunday. Winds will be even lighter for Memorial Day as high pressure moves overhead. This will also bring even warmer temperatures Monday afternoon.

Winds will remain light through Tuesday, but temperatures continue their warming trend. Wednesday next week will likely be the hottest day for many, with temperatures in the triple digits in the South and the 90s in metro Albuquerque. Breezy afternoon winds will also likely return from the middle of next week.