SPC Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook
SPC Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1120 AM CDT Sun May 18 2025 Valid 181700Z - 191200Z ...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER AREA FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO INTO FAR WEST TEXAS... The previous forecast remains largely on track. Visible satellite depicts clearing skies across the southern High Plains, supporting robust boundary-layer mixing. Surface observations show evidence of a developing dryline over the TX Panhandle, with 10-20 mph sustained southwesterly surface winds amid 10-30 percent RH in the post-dryline environment. Some surface observations across southern New Mexico already depict Critical meteorological conditions (i.e. single-digit RH coinciding with sustained winds well over 20 mph). With continued boundary-layer heating/mixing, these Critical conditions should become common across most of the southern High Plains behind the dryline, in agreement with the latest guidance consensus. However, Critical highlights remain only where fuels are highly receptive to wildfire-spread potential. Guidance consensus also still shows the potential for 15-20 mph sustained northwesterly surface winds coinciding with 15-25 percent RH across portions of the California Valley region later this afternoon, where Elevated highlights remain in place. ..Squitieri.. 05/18/2025 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 0110 AM CDT Sun May 18 2025/ ...Synopsis... As a mid-level shortwave trough progresses from the Four Corners to the southern High Plains, and a surface lee cyclone deepens throughout the morning and afternoon, Critical fire-weather conditions are anticipated across much of southern New Mexico. Further west, mid-level northerly flow on the western side of the trough is expected to bring Elevated fire-weather conditions to the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys. ...Southern New Mexico... Deep boundary-layer mixing behind a sharpening dryline, along with a deepening surface cyclone and associated gradient wind response, will be responsible for widespread Critical fire-weather conditions this afternoon. Sustained winds of 25 MPH and relative humidity below 10%, along with highly receptive fuels, will result in conditions that support rapid wildfire ignition and spread. Some downslope winds in southern and eastern New Mexico may even locally reach Extremely Critical criteria, with sustained winds exceeding 30 MPH. However, such conditions appear to be too localized for larger highlights at this time. Additionally, the Critical meteorological conditions will exist well into the Texas Panhandle and portions of southern Kansas -- but ERC fuels guidance shows fuels are not quite as receptive, warranting only Elevated highlights. ...Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys... Deep boundary-layer mixing beneath modest mid-level northerly flow will result in dry and windy conditions across much of the interior California valleys. Winds of 15 MPH and relative humidity at or below 15% are expected. Fuels appear more marginal, but there is some signal for fuel receptiveness, warranting at least Elevated highlights. ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... Read more
Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1120 AM CDT Sun May 18 2025 Valid 181700Z - 191200Z ...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER AREA FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO INTO FAR WEST TEXAS... The previous forecast remains largely on track. Visible satellite depicts clearing skies across the southern High Plains, supporting robust boundary-layer mixing. Surface observations show evidence of a developing dryline over the TX Panhandle, with 10-20 mph sustained southwesterly surface winds amid 10-30 percent RH in the post-dryline environment. Some surface observations across southern New Mexico already depict Critical meteorological conditions (i.e. single-digit RH coinciding with sustained winds well over 20 mph). With continued boundary-layer heating/mixing, these Critical conditions should become common across most of the southern High Plains behind the dryline, in agreement with the latest guidance consensus. However, Critical highlights remain only where fuels are highly receptive to wildfire-spread potential. Guidance consensus also still shows the potential for 15-20 mph sustained northwesterly surface winds coinciding with 15-25 percent RH across portions of the California Valley region later this afternoon, where Elevated highlights remain in place. ..Squitieri.. 05/18/2025 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 0110 AM CDT Sun May 18 2025/ ...Synopsis... As a mid-level shortwave trough progresses from the Four Corners to the southern High Plains, and a surface lee cyclone deepens throughout the morning and afternoon, Critical fire-weather conditions are anticipated across much of southern New Mexico. Further west, mid-level northerly flow on the western side of the trough is expected to bring Elevated fire-weather conditions to the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys. ...Southern New Mexico... Deep boundary-layer mixing behind a sharpening dryline, along with a deepening surface cyclone and associated gradient wind response, will be responsible for widespread Critical fire-weather conditions this afternoon. Sustained winds of 25 MPH and relative humidity below 10%, along with highly receptive fuels, will result in conditions that support rapid wildfire ignition and spread. Some downslope winds in southern and eastern New Mexico may even locally reach Extremely Critical criteria, with sustained winds exceeding 30 MPH. However, such conditions appear to be too localized for larger highlights at this time. Additionally, the Critical meteorological conditions will exist well into the Texas Panhandle and portions of southern Kansas -- but ERC fuels guidance shows fuels are not quite as receptive, warranting only Elevated highlights. ...Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys... Deep boundary-layer mixing beneath modest mid-level northerly flow will result in dry and windy conditions across much of the interior California valleys. Winds of 15 MPH and relative humidity at or below 15% are expected. Fuels appear more marginal, but there is some signal for fuel receptiveness, warranting at least Elevated highlights. ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... Read more