© 2024 Marfa Public Radio
A 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Lobby Hours: Monday - Friday 10 AM to Noon & 1 PM to 4 PM
For general inquiries: (432) 729-4578
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

High-to-Extreme Fire Danger with Today's High Winds

fire-3
(National Weather Service)

Today's mix of gusty winds and dry conditions could make for potentially hazardous fire conditions.

The National Weather Service says the fire risk today could range from high to extreme, even possibly reaching "extremely critical."

Today's Red Flag Warning, in effect for most of West Texas, reminds us that "weather patterns like this one have been associated with high fire days in the past."

We spoke with Meteorologist Michelle Schuldt during Morning Edition for some background on just how severe the fire risk is today.

Relative humidity levels today will only be ranging from 5-15%, and the NWS says conditions this week are the driest they've been so far this season.

Adding to the dangerous fire conditions today are the very high winds we'll see across the region. There's a Wind Advisory in effect through 7 pm for the Marfa Plateau and some parts of the Permian Basin, where we could see regular west winds from 25-35 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph.

In the Davis Mountains, a High Wind Warning is in effect - winds will be ranging from 30-40 mph, with possible gusts up to 60 mph.

Travis Bubenik is All Things Considered Host and Big Bend Reporter at Marfa Public Radio.