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FNUS22 KWNS 241909

FWDDY2



Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook  

NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK

0108 PM CST Tue Feb 24 2026



Valid 251200Z - 261200Z



...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER AREA FOR PARTS OF EAST-CENTRAL AND

SOUTHEAST NEW MEXICO...



...20z Update...

Elevated and Critical fire weather highlights have been maintained

from the previous forecast. A tight pressure gradient in the lee of

the Rockies beneath northwesterly mid-level flow will promote strong

downslope winds atop a dry fuelscape. High-level cloud cover is

likely throughout the day, and surface dewpoints may rise some owing

to mid-level moisture infiltrating the area. However, given a narrow

corridor of 20-30 mph westerly surface winds (gusts up to 45 mph),

RH values hovering around 15%, and a prolonged period of hot, dry,

windy conditions, localized Critical fire weather remains likely for

southeastern NM. See the previous discussion for more information.



..Elizalde-Garcia/Barnes.. 02/24/2026



.PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 1245 AM CST Tue Feb 24 2026/



...Synopsis...

...Central/southern High Plains...

Moderately strong northwesterly mid-level winds will be maintained

across the central and southern Rockies on Wednesday. Lee troughing

will extend across much of the central/southern High Plains. Dry

downslope winds of 20-30 mph appear possible in portions of

east-central and southeast New Mexico as stronger upper-level winds

nudge farther south and align with the peak of the cross-terrain

surface gradient. With at least some connection to the mid-level

moisture plume on the West Coast, high-level cloud cover and a

modest increase in surface dewpoints are possible. Guidance is not

overly confident in RH lower than 15% for more than a short period.

However, the enhanced winds at the surface will still drive a period

of Critical fire weather during the afternoon.



Elsewhere within the High Plains, RH of around 20% should be more

common. While 15-20 mph will occur in most locations,

terrain-favored areas could see speeds of 20-25 mph.



...Edwards Plateau into parts of central Texas...

As a modest surface low evolves south and east during the day, winds

of 15-20 mph will be possible. During the afternoon RH of around

15-20% can be expected. Lack of stronger winds will preclude a

greater fire weather risk, but Elevated fire weather is probable.



...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product...



$$