Red Flag Warning Issued for Tuesday; Fire Weather Watch Extended Through Wednesday Evening

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Northwest Plateau, in effect Tuesday, June 17, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. MDT. A Fire Weather Watch has also been issued for a broader region including the Sandia and Manzano Mountains, Central Highlands, West Central Mountains, Middle Rio Grande Valley, and North Central Mountains, in effect Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening, June 18, 2026.

Hot, dry, and windy conditions developing over the Northwest Plateau on Tuesday will spread eastward as far as the Central Highlands and Torrance County on Wednesday, driven by strengthening northwest flow aloft and a surface trough in the lee of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This two-day event creates critical fire weather conditions across a large swath of central New Mexico.

Tuesday Red Flag Warning:

Northwest winds of 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph are expected, combined with critically low relative humidity between 8 and 13 percent. Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Residents of the Northwest Plateau and adjacent areas are urged to avoid all outdoor burning on Tuesday.

Wednesday Fire Weather Watch:

The fire weather watch extends the threat to the Sandia and Manzano Mountains, Central Highlands, and surrounding areas on Wednesday afternoon and evening, with similar wind and humidity conditions. Outdoor burning is not recommended on Wednesday, and open burns are currently prohibited.

Local Impact:

Residents of Mountainair, Estancia, and Torrance County should be particularly alert on Wednesday, when conditions are forecast to reach your area. The combination of very strong winds, extremely low humidity (single digits), and hot temperatures will make any fire spread extremely difficult to control. Those with scheduled prescribed burns or controlled fires should postpone operations through at least Wednesday evening.

Residents are also encouraged to ensure that equipment is in good working order and that spark arrestors are functioning properly, as these extreme conditions leave little margin for error if ignition occurs.

For the latest forecast updates, visit the Albuquerque office of the National Weather Service. Torrance County residents can receive timely alerts by signing up for TextMyGov notifications:

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