Red Flag Warning in Effect Sunday for Torrance County and Surrounding Areas

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Red Flag Warning for Sunday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. MDT, as critical fire weather conditions are expected to impact much of central and eastern New Mexico, including Torrance County and the Sandia and Manzano Mountains.

This warning is driven by a potent mix of strong west winds, low humidity, and unseasonably warm temperatures. Wind speeds are forecasted to reach 20 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Relative humidity will plummet into the 5 to 12 percent range, creating exceptionally dry conditions that are ideal for wildfire ignition and rapid spread.

Mountainair and the broader Estancia Valley remain especially vulnerable due to dry grasses and other light fuels that are highly receptive to fire. The weather pattern follows a Saturday with similar fire risk, and officials caution that Sunday’s winds will be slightly stronger, with very poor overnight humidity recovery adding to the danger.

Residents are strongly urged to avoid all outdoor burning and to use extreme caution with anything that might spark a fire, including welding equipment, motorized tools, or improperly discarded smoking materials. Any fires that do start are likely to spread quickly and could be difficult for fire crews to contain.

To stay informed on fire weather updates, visit the National Weather Service Albuquerque office. For real-time emergency alerts, sign up through the Torrance County Department of Emergency Management’s Code Red system.