Alert archive / New Mexico / Red Flag Warnings in 2012

Red Flag Warning 12, NWS Albuquerque, NM

March 1, 20124 counties in New Mexico

NWS Albuquerque, NM issued this red flag warning at Mar 1, 2012, 2:52 PM MST for 4 counties in New Mexico. It took effect at Mar 2, 2012, 10:00 AM MST. It was in force for 4 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Mar 1, 2012, 2:52 PM MST (21:52 UTC)
In effect from
Mar 2, 2012, 10:00 AM MST
Expired
Mar 2, 2012, 1:35 PM MST
In force
4 hr
Issued by
NWS Albuquerque, NM

Counties Bernalillo County, NM, Sandoval County, NM, Socorro County, NM, Valencia County, NM

The radar

The Albuquerque radar (KABX), 32 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 21:54 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Albuquerq/Krtlnd, NM (KABQ), launched 12:00Z, 9.9 hours before the alert went out and 29 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Albuquerq/Krtlnd, NM at 12:00Z on 2012-03-01Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Albuquerq/Krtlnd, NM at 12:00Z on 2012-03-01The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 43 square meters per square second.1939587897117136156Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
3385 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
78 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
43 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
111 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted, in the capitals the NWS used until 2016.

934 
WWUS85 KABQ 012152
RFWABQ

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ALBUQUERQUE NM
252 PM MST THU MAR 1 2012

...RED FLAG WARNING UNTIL 8 PM THIS EVENING FOR THE WEST CENTRAL
HIGHLANDS NORTHEAST ACROSS THE LOWER AND MIDDLE RIO GRANDE
VALLEY...THE CENTRAL MOUNTAIN CHAIN...AND THE EASTERN PLAINS BELOW
SIGNIFICANT SNOW PACK FOR STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITIES...
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 7 PM FRIDAY FOR THE
MIDDLE RIO GRANDE VALLEY AND EAST CENTRAL PLAINS DUE TO STRONG
WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITIES...

.STRONG WESTERLY WINDS IN ADVANCE OF AN UPPER LEVEL LOW PRESSURE
AREA AND ASSOCIATED COLD FRONT WILL DIMINISH SOMEWHAT AFTER
SUNSET...BUT ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN GUSTY ESPECIALLY OVER THE
HIGHER TERRAIN THROUGH THE NIGHT.  ON FRIDAY...STRONG NORTHWEST 
WINDS WILL USHER IN MUCH COOLER TEMPERATURES...BUT A DRIER AIR
MASS WILL LEAD TO LOW HUMIDITIES AND CRITICAL CONDITIONS OVER THE
MIDDLE RIO GRANDE VALLEY AND EAST CENTRAL PLAINS. AREAS THAT WILL
EXPERIENCE CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS WILL REMAIN BELOW
SIGNIFICANT SNOW PACK.

NMZ106-108-020300-
/O.UPG.KABQ.FW.A.0011.120302T1700Z-120303T0200Z/
/O.NEW.KABQ.FW.W.0012.120302T1700Z-120303T0200Z/
/O.CON.KABQ.FW.W.0011.000000T0000Z-120302T0300Z/
NEW MEXICO FIRE WEATHER ZONE 106
MIDDLE RIO GRANDE VALLEY/ALBUQUERQUE-SOCORRO BLM/ABZ-GLZ-
NEW MEXICO FIRE WEATHER ZONE 108
EAST CENTRAL PLAINS/WESTERN KIOWA GRASSLANDS BLM/ABZ-SNZ-
252 PM MST THU MAR 1 2012

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST THIS
EVENING...
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 7 PM MST FRIDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN ALBUQUERQUE HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 7 PM MST FRIDAY. THE
FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. A RED FLAG WARNING
REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST THIS EVENING. 

* AREA AND TIMING...CRITICAL CONDITIONS WILL PERSIST THROUGH EARLY
  THIS EVENING. ON FRIDAY...CRITICAL CONDITIONS ARE FORECAST TO
  DEVELOP LATE IN THE MORNING AND PERSIST THROUGH SUNSET.

* 20 FOOT WINDS...WEST 25 TO 40 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 50 MPH UNTIL
  AROUND SUNSET THEN DIMINISHING. NORTHWEST 25 TO 40 MPH WITH
  GUSTS TO 50 MPH FRIDAY AFTERNOON.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...5 TO 10 PERCENT THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY
  EVENING. MINIMUM RH RANGING FROM 10 TO 15 PERCENT FRIDAY
  AFTERNOON.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

PLEASE ADVISE THE APPROPRIATE OFFICIALS OR FIRE CREWS IN THE
FIELD OF THIS RED FLAG WARNING.

&&

$$

NMZ103-104-107-109-020300-
/O.CON.KABQ.FW.W.0011.000000T0000Z-120302T0300Z/
NEW MEXICO FIRE WEATHER ZONE 103
NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS/EASTERN CARSON AND SANTA FE NF/SNZ-TAZ-
NEW MEXICO FIRE WEATHER ZONE 104
NORTHEAST PLAINS/EASTERN KIOWA AND RITA BLANCA GRASSLANDS/ABZ-TNZ-
NEW MEXICO FIRE WEATHER ZONE 107
SANDIA-MANZANO AND GALLINAS MOUNTAINS/EASTERN CIBOLA NF/ABZ-
NEW MEXICO FIRE WEATHER ZONE 109
WEST CENTRAL HIGHLANDS/SOUTHWEST CIBOLA NF AND SOCORRO BLM/ABQ-
GLZ-
252 PM MST THU MAR 1 2012

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST THIS
EVENING...

A RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST THIS EVENING.

* AREA AND TIMING...CRITICAL CONDITIONS WILL PERSIST THROUGH
  SUNSET BEFORE DIMINISHING.

* 20 FOOT WINDS...WEST 25 TO 40 MPH WITH GUSTS TO AROUND 50 MPH
  WILL PERSIST THROUGH SUNSET BEFORE DIMINISHING TO AROUND 15 TO
  25 MPH WITH HIGHER GUSTS...ESPECIALLY OVER THE HIGHER TERRAIN.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...5-12 PERCENT THROUGH EARLY EVENING.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

PLEASE ADVISE THE APPROPRIATE OFFICIALS OR FIRE CREWS IN THE
FIELD OF THIS RED FLAG WARNING.

&&

$$
3 follow-up statements
423 
WWUS85 KABQ 020242
RFWABQ

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ALBUQUERQUE NM
742 PM MST THU MAR 1 2012

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 7 PM FRIDAY FOR THE
MIDDLE RIO GRANDE VALLEY AND EAST CENTRAL PLAINS DUE TO STRONG
WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITIES...

.STRONG WESTERLY WINDS WERE OBSERVED TODAY IN ADVANCE OF AN UPPER
LEVEL LOW PRESSURE AREA AND AN ASSOCIATED COLD FRONT...BUT THESE
ARE DECREASING SOME IN MANY VALLEY AND LOWER ELEVATION AREAS.
WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN GUSTY OVER THE HIGHER TERRAIN THROUGH
THE NIGHT...ESPECIALLY IN THE HIGHER TERRAIN ALONG AND SOUTH OF
INTERSTATE 40. ON FRIDAY...WIDESPREAD STRONG NORTHWEST WINDS WILL
REDEVELOP...USHERING IN MUCH COOLER TEMPERATURES. A DRIER AIR MASS
WILL STILL BE PRESENT...LEADING TO LOW HUMIDITIES AND CRITICAL
FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS OVER THE MIDDLE RIO GRANDE VALLEY AND
PORTIONS OF THE EAST CENTRAL PLAINS. AREAS THAT WILL EXPERIENCE
CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS WILL REMAIN BELOW SIGNIFICANT
SNOW PACK.

NMZ106-108-021500-
/O.EXP.KABQ.FW.W.0011.000000T0000Z-120302T0300Z/
/O.CON.KABQ.FW.W.0012.120302T1700Z-120303T0200Z/
NEW MEXICO FIRE WEATHER ZONE 106
MIDDLE RIO GRANDE VALLEY/ALBUQUERQUE-SOCORRO BLM/ABZ-GLZ-
NEW MEXICO FIRE WEATHER ZONE 108
EAST CENTRAL PLAINS/WESTERN KIOWA GRASSLANDS BLM/ABZ-SNZ-
742 PM MST THU MAR 1 2012

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 7 PM MST
FRIDAY...
...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 8 PM MST THIS EVENING...

A RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 7 PM MST
FRIDAY. 

* AREA AND TIMING...CRITICAL CONDITIONS ARE NOW ENDING AS WINDS
  DECREASE IN SPEED AND HUMIDITY INCREASES. ON FRIDAY...CRITICAL
  CONDITIONS ARE FORECAST TO REDEVELOP LATE IN THE MORNING AND
  PERSIST THROUGH SUNSET. THIS WILL INCLUDE AREAS IN THE MIDDLE
  RIO GRANDE VALLEY AS WELL AS PORTIONS OF THE EAST CENTRAL PLAINS
  OF NEW MEXICO.

* 20 FOOT WINDS...NORTHWEST 25 TO 40 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 50 MPH
  FRIDAY.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...MINIMUM HUMIDITY RANGING FROM 10 TO 15
  PERCENT FRIDAY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

PLEASE ADVISE THE APPROPRIATE OFFICIALS OR FIRE CREWS IN THE
FIELD OF THIS RED FLAG WARNING.

&&

$$

NMZ103-104-107-109-020345-
/O.EXP.KABQ.FW.W.0011.000000T0000Z-120302T0300Z/
NEW MEXICO FIRE WEATHER ZONE 103
NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS/EASTERN CARSON AND SANTA FE NF/SNZ-TAZ-
NEW MEXICO FIRE WEATHER ZONE 104
NORTHEAST PLAINS/EASTERN KIOWA AND RITA BLANCA GRASSLANDS/ABZ-TNZ-
NEW MEXICO FIRE WEATHER ZONE 107
SANDIA-MANZANO AND GALLINAS MOUNTAINS/EASTERN CIBOLA NF/ABZ-
NEW MEXICO FIRE WEATHER ZONE 109
WEST CENTRAL HIGHLANDS/SOUTHWEST CIBOLA NF AND SOCORRO BLM/ABQ-
GLZ-
742 PM MST THU MAR 1 2012

...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 8 PM MST THIS EVENING...

WIND SPEEDS ARE DECREASING THIS EVENING...AND AS TEMPERATURES
CONTINUE TO COOL THE HUMIDITY WILL INCREASE...ALLOWING CRITICAL
FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS TO WANE.

$$

52
141 
WWUS85 KABQ 021343
RFWABQ

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ALBUQUERQUE NM
643 AM MST FRI MAR 2 2012

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO
7 PM MST THIS EVENING FOR STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITIES FOR THE
MIDDLE RIO GRANDE VALLEY AND THE EAST CENTRAL PLAINS...

.A STRONG STORM SYSTEM MOVING ACROSS NORTHERN NEW MEXICO COMBINED
WITH A COLD FRONT SWEEPING FROM NORTHWEST TO SOUTHEAST ACROSS THE 
STATE WILL PRODUCE GUSTY WINDS WITH CONTINUED DRY CONDITIONS FROM
LATE MORNING THROUGH EARLY EVENING TODAY. RED FLAG CONDITIONS WILL
EASE BY EARLY EVENING AS WIND SPEEDS DECREASE AND HUMIDITIES RISE
ABOVE 20 PCT.

NMZ106-108-030200-
/O.CON.KABQ.FW.W.0012.120302T1700Z-120303T0200Z/
NEW MEXICO FIRE WEATHER ZONE 106
MIDDLE RIO GRANDE VALLEY/ALBUQUERQUE-SOCORRO BLM/ABZ-GLZ-
NEW MEXICO FIRE WEATHER ZONE 108
EAST CENTRAL PLAINS/WESTERN KIOWA GRASSLANDS BLM/ABZ-SNZ-
643 AM MST FRI MAR 2 2012

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO
7 PM MST THIS EVENING...

A RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO
7 PM MST THIS EVENING. 

* AREA AND TIMING...MIDDLE RIO GRANDE VALLEY AND EAST CENTRAL
  PLAINS...BEGINNING BY LATE MORNING AS GUSTY WINDS INCREASE SPEED
  AND HUMIDITIES FALL INTO THE TEENS. RED FLAG CONDITIONS WILL
  EASE BY EARLY EVENING AS WIND SPEEDS DECREASE AND HUMIDITIES
  RISE ABOVE 20 PCT.

* 20 FOOT WINDS...NORTHWEST 25 TO 40 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 50 MPH.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...MINIMUM HUMIDITY RANGING FROM 10 TO 15 PCT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

PLEASE ADVISE THE APPROPRIATE OFFICIALS OR FIRE CREWS IN THE
FIELD OF THIS RED FLAG WARNING.

&&

$$

SHY
924 
WWUS85 KABQ 022035
RFWABQ

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ALBUQUERQUE NM
135 PM MST FRI MAR 2 2012

NMZ106-108-022145-
/O.CAN.KABQ.FW.W.0012.000000T0000Z-120303T0200Z/
NEW MEXICO FIRE WEATHER ZONE 106
MIDDLE RIO GRANDE VALLEY/ALBUQUERQUE-SOCORRO BLM/ABZ-GLZ-
NEW MEXICO FIRE WEATHER ZONE 108
EAST CENTRAL PLAINS/WESTERN KIOWA GRASSLANDS BLM/ABZ-SNZ-
135 PM MST FRI MAR 2 2012

...RED FLAG WARNING IS CANCELLED...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN ALBUQUERQUE HAS CANCELLED THE RED
FLAG WARNING. 

AN UNSEASONABLY COOL AIR MASS WILL CONTINUE TO FILTER SOUTHWARD IN
WAKE OF A COLD FRONT THAT MOVED THROUGH THE REGION EARLIER TODAY.
GUSTY NORTHWEST WINDS WILL PERSIST THROUGH THE REMAINDER OF THE
AFTERNOON FOR MOST AREAS...BUT THE THREAT FOR WIDESPREAD CRITICAL
FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS IS LOW AND WILL CONTINUE TO DIMINISH THROUGH
THE REMAINDER OF THE DAY. 

$$

KJ

The office that day

Everything else NWS Albuquerque, NM issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Mar 1, 5:09 AM MSTFire Weather WatchABQBernalillo, Sandoval, Socorro, Valencia10 hr
Mar 1, 5:11 AM MSTWinter Weather AdvisoryABQ41 hr

Nearby

Red Flag Warnings in New Mexico, 2012Every red flag warning in 2012

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.