Fire Weather Conditions Expected to Intensify Across Torrance County Through Midweek

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Tuesday and Wednesday across much of central New Mexico, including Torrance County and the Mountainair area, as strong winds and critically low humidity levels create dangerous conditions for wildfire ignition and rapid spread.

While the most immediate threat is focused west of the Continental Divide with a Red Flag Warning in effect Monday from 3 to 8 p.m., conditions will become more widespread and hazardous starting Tuesday. The Fire Weather Watch will be in effect both Tuesday, May 13, and Wednesday, May 14, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. MDT each day, covering the Middle Rio Grande Valley, the West Central Basin and Range, and the Sandia and Manzano Mountains, including areas along and south of Highway 60.

Tuesday Forecast Highlights:

• Winds: Southwest 25–35 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph.
• Relative Humidity: 9–15 percent.
• Temperatures: 8 to 10 degrees above seasonal averages.

Wednesday Forecast Highlights:

• Winds: West to northwest 20–30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph.
• Relative Humidity: 5–10 percent.
• Temperatures: Dropping slightly, ranging from near average to 8 degrees below normal near the Arizona border.

The weather pattern is being driven by a strengthening upper-level trough (an elongated area of relatively low atmospheric pressure) and the jet stream, which will funnel dry, gusty southwest winds across the region. A gusty Pacific cold front is expected to pass through on Wednesday, shifting winds and maintaining the fire danger with dry air in place.

For residents of Mountainair and nearby communities in Torrance County, these conditions significantly increase the risk of fast-spreading wildfires. Fire officials emphasize that any fires that start may be challenging to contain due to long-range spotting and extreme fire behavior. Outdoor burning should be strictly avoided during this period.

To stay informed about fire weather developments and safety alerts, monitor forecasts from the Albuquerque office of the National Weather Service. Residents are also encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through the Torrance County Department of Emergency Management’s Code Red system.