National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Heavy Rainfall and Severe Thunderstorm Threats for the Plains and Southeast

A frontal boundary extending from the western High Plains to the Southeast will focus additional showers and thunderstorms this weekend. Some of these storms may become severe, alongside frequent lightning, and isolated instances of flash flooding. Meanwhile dry conditions will continue for the Great Basin where fire weather concerns linger. For the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, seasonable weather. Read More >

DAMAGING WINDS AND EXTREME FIRE WEATHER!!

Damaging winds and extreme fire weather will occur today, April 22. Widespread wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph and scattered areas reaching 80 mph could knock down large tree limbs, utility poles and other structures while threatening to topple high profile vehicles! Damage to roof tops and other structures is possible along with widespread blowing dust. These winds could potentially be catastrophic for ongoing wildfires or any new fire ignitions, as rapid fire growth and extreme fire behavior is expected.

Key Impacts:

  • South southwest wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph will be capable of producing damage to roof tops, trees, utility poles and other vulnerable structures
  • Strong cross winds, especially on northwest to southeast oriented roads, will create dangerous driving conditions with the potential for high profile vehicles to topple
  • Very dry conditions and low humidity between 5 to 10% will combine with the severe winds to create an extreme fire weather scenario with catastrophic fire growth possible

The map of northern and central New Mexico indicates strong to damaging winds on Friday. Widespread gusts of 60 to 70 mph are expected with scattered areas reaching 80 mph.

Friday's recipe for extreme fire weather will include strong to damaging winds, very low humidity, above normal temperatures and an unstable atmosphere.