Red Flag Warning and Freeze Watch Issued for Torrance County and Estancia Valley

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Red Flag Warning and a Freeze Watch for Torrance County, signaling a period of volatile weather with critical fire danger, followed by a sharp drop into sub-freezing temperatures.

The Red Flag Warning is in effect for the Sandia and Manzano Mountains and the Central Highlands from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM MDT, Friday, April 17, 2026. Forecasters expect west winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph in the Mountainair area. When combined with relative humidity levels as low as 10%, these conditions mean any fire that starts will likely spread rapidly. Officials strongly recommend against any outdoor burning during this window.

As the weather system moves through the region, the primary concern will shift from fire to extreme cold. A Freeze Watch has been issued for the Estancia Valley, including the town of Estancia, from late Friday night through Saturday morning, April 18. Temperatures are expected to drop significantly, with lows between 19°F and 28°F possible.

These sub-freezing temperatures could pose a threat to early-season crops and sensitive vegetation. Residents are urged to take precautions now to protect tender plants and to ensure that unprotected outdoor plumbing is wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.

For the latest weather updates and detailed forecasts, residents should monitor the Albuquerque office of the National Weather Service.

Torrance County residents are also encouraged to sign up for emergency management alerts through the Department of Emergency Management, which utilizes the TextMyGov alert system. There are several notification groups available to help residents tailor the types of information they receive:

• Text TORRANCE COUNTY to 80946 for general notifications and emergency alerts.
• Text TORRANCE FIRE ALERTS to 80946 for updates on prescribed burns or active fires in the area.
• Text TORRANCE NWS to 80946 to receive specific weather-related alerts.