The southwest US is burning

Weather:
South: Monday saw a third successive day of solidly critical fire weather conditions, with westerly winds gusting between 40 and 55 mph for much of the fire footprint and relative humidity once again lowering into the lower teens and single digits. Poor to moderate humidity recovery is anticipated tonight, with much lighter southwesterly winds Tuesday. Nonetheless, some of the higher terrain may still be exposed to lingering breezy conditions in the afternoon, enough for gusts up to 35 mph and marginally critical fire weather conditions given little change in daytime humidity. A backdoor front will enter northeastern New Mexico late in the day, shifting winds to an easterly direction late Tuesday for areas due east of the ridge tops. This wind shift likely will not arrive until after midnight for the sensitive locations along the ridge tops and into the Pecos Valley.

North: A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 1100 Monday morning through 2100 Monday evening. Minimum relative humidity values fell to the 7-11% range so far today. Daytime temperatures are slightly cooler today, currently in the mid-60s to low 70s. Very strong southwest winds will persist through the rest of today, diminishing overnight. A Red Flag Warning is in effect on Tuesday from 1 pm to 8 pm. Critical fire weather conditions will continue on Tuesday, ahead of a pattern shift that will come through Tuesday night. Winds will be lighter however the direction will shift from southwesterly to southeasterly Tuesday evening. Minimum relative humidity values will be between 7 and 15%. Daytime temperatures will be in the upper 60s to mid-70s. Winds will still be breezy, out of the southwest at 15 to 20 mph with gusts 30-35 mph, becoming southeasterly at 10-15 mph overnight. The Haines will be a 6.

Outlook Wednesday: Southeasterly winds in the early morning will swing back around to southwest during the morning. Wind speeds will be 10-15 mph gusting 20-25 mph. Minimum relative humidity values will be approximately 10-15 % higher, in the 17-23% range. Temperatures will be similar to Tuesday, in the upper 60s to mid-70s. Isolated thunderstorms are possible late Wednesday into Wednesday night, with best chances in the late evening and overnight. The Haines will be a 6.