Storm Prediction Center Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook

Created: Fri May 3 14:46:03 UTC 2024 (20240503 1700Z Day 1 FireWX shapefile | 20240503 1700Z Day 1 FireWX KML)

Day 1 Fire Weather Forecast graphic
Risk Area (sq. mi.) Area Pop. Some Larger Population Centers in Risk Area
No Risk Areas Forecast

Click for Day 1 FireWX Areal Outline Product

   ZCZC SPCFWDDY1 ALL
   FNUS21 KWNS 031445

   Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook  
   NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
   0945 AM CDT Fri May 03 2024

   Valid 031700Z - 041200Z

   An Elevated risk area has been introduced to portions of southeast
   New Mexico. Morning surface observations and 12 UTC soundings from
   ABQ and EPZ show very dry conditions at/near the surface with RH
   values generally in the teens to low 20s across parts of far
   southwest TX and south-central NM. This air mass should spread
   northeast behind an eastward migrating dryline this afternoon. Weak
   mid and upper-level winds will limit the overall magnitude of the
   fire weather potential, but ensemble guidance shows reasonably high
   confidence of 15-20 mph winds co-located with the driest conditions.
   Furthermore, recent fuel guidance suggests ERCs generally reside in
   the 80-90th percentile across this region after several days of
   limited rainfall, which should support the fire weather concern.
   Elevated conditions are also expected further north into
   south-central CO, but will be more localized and driven by
   terrain-induced winds.

   ..Moore.. 05/03/2024

   .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 1225 AM CDT Fri May 03 2024/

   ...Synopsis...
   A low-amplitude shortwave trough will move through northern Mexico
   today and eject into West Texas by early tomorrow morning. A weak
   surface trough is expected to develop in the southern High Plains as
   a result. Portions of the Southwest will experience dry and breezy
   conditions for period during the afternoon. Given the short duration
   of these conditions, only locally elevated fire weather concerns are
   expected.

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

      

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