Alert archive / Arizona / Red Flag Warnings in 2018
Red Flag Warning 6, NWS Tucson, AZ
NWS Tucson, AZ issued this red flag warning at Apr 10, 2018, 9:27 AM MST for 6 counties in Arizona. It took effect at Apr 12, 2018, 11:00 AM MST. It was in force for 10 hr. 6 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.
The facts
- Issued
- Apr 10, 2018, 9:27 AM MST (16:27 UTC)
- In effect from
- Apr 12, 2018, 11:00 AM MST
- Expired
- Apr 12, 2018, 9:00 PM MST
- In force
- 10 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Tucson, AZ
Counties Cochise County, AZ, Graham County, AZ, Greenlee County, AZ, Pima County, AZ, Pinal County, AZ, Santa Cruz County, AZ
The radar
The Tucson radar (KEMX), 61 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 16:29 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.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 12, 3:23 PM MST | DUST STORM | 4 Nne Maricopa, AZ | HIGHWAY 347 WAS CLOSED FOR OVER 3.5 HOURS BETWEEN INTERSTATE 10 AND CASA BLANCA RD. DUE TO LOW VISIBILITY FROM BLOWING DUST. |
| Apr 12, 3:52 PM MST | DUST STORM | 5 Ne Casa Grande, AZ | INTERSTATE 10 NEAR CASA GRANDE WAS CLOSED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS FROM MILEPOST 191 TO 194 FOR OVER 2 HOURS DUE TO VERY POOR VISIBILITY IN BLOWING DUST. |
| Apr 12, 4:00 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 42 | 4 Sse Coolidge, AZ | MESONET STATION SRP42, 4 SSE COOLIDGE. |
| Apr 12, 4:15 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 43 | Casa Grande Municipal A, AZ | AWOS STATION CGZ, CASA GRANDE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT. |
| Apr 12, 4:59 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 47 | 2 Wnw Santan, AZ | MESONET STATION MEMF, 2 WNW SANTAN. |
| Apr 12, 5:10 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 43 | 10 Ese Queen Creek, AZ | MESONET STATION SRP22, 10 ESE QUEEN CREEK. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
The nearest sounding before it
Tuscon, AZ (KDMA), launched 12:00Z, 4.5 hours before the alert went out and 49 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.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 0 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- No buoyant parcel
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 4197 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 3 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 14 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 0 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
079 WWUS85 KTWC 101627 RFWTWC URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Tucson AZ 927 AM MST Tue Apr 10 2018 ...A RED FLAG WARNING IS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING FOR SOUTHEAST ARIZONA DUE TO STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER... .The combination of strong gusty winds and low humidity will create critical fire conditions across southeast Arizona Thursday afternoon and evening. Sustained 20-foot wind speeds exceeding 30 mph at times should occur across mountains, but are also fairly likely across lower elevations east of Tucson. AZZ151>153-102300- /O.UPG.KTWC.FW.A.0006.180412T1900Z-180413T0600Z/ /O.NEW.KTWC.FW.W.0006.180412T1900Z-180413T0400Z/ /O.NEW.KTWC.FW.A.0007.180413T1900Z-180414T0300Z/ Arizona Fire Weather Zone 151 Eastern Pima County-Southeastern Pinal County- Santa Cruz County-Western Cochise County- Coronado NF-TDC-Arizona Fire Weather Zone 152 Southern Greenlee County-Central and Eastern Cochise County- Southern Graham County-Southern San Carlos Apache Nation- Arizona Fire Weather Zone 153 Northern Graham County-Northern Greenlee County- White and Gila Mountains-Apache Sitgreaves NF-SDC- 927 AM MST Tue Apr 10 2018 ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM MST THURSDAY FOR STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY, AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 151, 152 AND 153... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY, AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 152, 153 AND THE EASTERN PORTION OF FIRE ZONE 151... The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from noon to 9 PM MST Thursday. A Fire Weather Watch has also been issued. This Fire Weather Watch is in effect from Friday afternoon through Friday evening. * AFFECTED AREA...The Red Flag Warning Thursday affects all of Fire Weather Zones 151, 152 and 153. The Fire Weather Watch Friday affects all of Fire Weather Zones 152 and 153, as well as the eastern half of Fire Weather Zone 151. * TIMING...The Red Flag Warning is in effect from Noon through 9 PM MST Thursday. The Fire Weather Watch is in effect from Noon through 8 PM MST Friday. * WINDS...Sustained 20-foot west to southwest winds will increase late Thursday morning and peak around 20-30 mph with gusts near 40 mph late Thursday afternoon. Higher sustained winds and gusts are likely above 5000 ft. Winds are expected to diminish below critical thresholds Thursday evening. On Friday, winds will be from the northwest at 20 to 30 mph with gusts near 40 mph. The strongest winds will be through the Gila River Valley near Safford and in locations above 5000 ft. Speeds are expected to diminish below critical thresholds Friday evening. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum humidity levels will lower into the 8-13 percent range during the afternoon Thursday. Minimum humidity will be lower on Friday, generally in the 5 to 10 percent range across the lower elevations and slightly higher, between 10 and 15 percent, in the mountains. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop or are ongoing will have the potential to spread rapidly. * FOR A DETAILED VIEW OF THE HAZARD AREA...Visit weather.gov/Tucson and click on the Detailed Hazards Icon. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now...or are expected to develop. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and dry vegetation will create the potential for rapid and erratic fire growth. A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of the Red Flag Warning and Fire Weather Watch for portions of Southeast Arizona. && $$ AZZ150-102300- /O.UPG.KTWC.FW.A.0006.180412T1900Z-180413T0600Z/ /O.NEW.KTWC.FW.W.0006.180412T1900Z-180413T0400Z/ Arizona Fire Weather Zone 150 Western Pima County-South Central Pinal County- Tohono O'Odham Nation-TDC- 927 AM MST Tue Apr 10 2018 ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM MST THURSDAY FOR STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 150... The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from noon to 9 PM MST Thursday. * AFFECTED AREA...All of Fire Weather Zone 150. * TIMING...From Noon through 9 pm MST Thursday. * WINDS...Sustained 20-foot westerly winds will increase during the late morning Thursday and peak around 15-25 mph with gusts near 35 mph in the afternoon. Wind speeds will diminish below critical thresholds Thursday evening. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum humidity levels will lower to 5-10 percent during the afternoon. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop or are ongoing will have the potential to spread rapidly. * FOR A DETAILED VIEW OF THE HAZARD AREA...Visit weather.gov/Tucson and click on the Detailed Hazards Icon. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now...or are expected to develop. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and dry vegetation will create the potential for rapid and erratic fire growth. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of the Red Flag Warning for portions of Southeast Arizona. && $$ Visit us on Facebook...Twitter...YouTube...and at weather.gov/Tucson
6 follow-up statements
655 WWUS85 KTWC 102112 RFWTWC URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Tucson AZ 212 PM MST Tue Apr 10 2018 ...A RED FLAG WARNING IS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING FOR SOUTHEAST ARIZONA DUE TO STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER... .The combination of strong gusty winds and low humidity will create critical fire conditions across southeast Arizona Thursday afternoon and evening. Sustained 20-foot wind speeds exceeding 30 mph at times should occur across mountains, but are also fairly likely across lower elevations east of Tucson. AZZ151>153-111200- /O.CON.KTWC.FW.W.0006.180412T1900Z-180413T0400Z/ /O.CON.KTWC.FW.A.0007.180413T1900Z-180414T0300Z/ Arizona Fire Weather Zone 151 Eastern Pima County-Southeastern Pinal County- Santa Cruz County-Western Cochise County- Coronado NF-TDC-Arizona Fire Weather Zone 152 Southern Greenlee County-Central and Eastern Cochise County- Southern Graham County-Southern San Carlos Apache Nation- Arizona Fire Weather Zone 153 Northern Graham County-Northern Greenlee County- White and Gila Mountains-Apache Sitgreaves NF-SDC- 212 PM MST Tue Apr 10 2018 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON THURSDAY TO 9 PM MST THURSDAY EVENING FOR STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY, AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 151, 152 AND 153... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY, AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 151, 152 AND 153... The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from noon Thursday to 9 PM MST Thursday evening. A Fire Weather Watch has also been issued. This Fire Weather Watch is in effect from Friday afternoon through Friday evening. * AFFECTED AREA...The Red Flag Warning Thursday affects all of Fire Weather Zones 151, 152 and 153. The Fire Weather Watch Friday affects all of Fire Weather Zones 152 and 153, as well as the eastern half of Fire Weather Zone 151. * TIMING...The Red Flag Warning is in effect from Noon Thursday through 9 PM MST Thursday. The Fire Weather Watch is in effect from Noon Friday through 8 PM MST Friday. * WINDS...Sustained 20-foot west to southwest winds will increase late Thursday morning and peak around 20-30 mph with gusts near 40 mph late Thursday afternoon. Higher sustained winds and gusts are likely above 5000 ft. Winds are expected to diminish below critical thresholds Thursday evening. On Friday, winds will be from the northwest at 20 to 30 mph with gusts near 40 mph. The strongest winds will be through the Gila River Valley near Safford and in locations above 5000 ft. Speeds are expected to diminish below critical thresholds Friday evening. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum humidity levels will lower into the 8-13 percent range during the afternoon Thursday. Minimum humidity will be lower on Friday, generally in the 5 to 10 percent range across the lower elevations and slightly higher, between 10 and 15 percent, in the mountains. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop or are ongoing will have the potential to spread rapidly. * FOR A DETAILED VIEW OF THE HAZARD AREA...Visit weather.gov/Tucson and click on the Detailed Hazards Icon. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now...or are expected to develop. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and dry vegetation will create the potential for rapid and erratic fire growth. A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of the Red Flag Warning and Fire Weather Watch for portions of Southeast Arizona. && $$ AZZ150-111200- /O.CON.KTWC.FW.W.0006.180412T1900Z-180413T0400Z/ Arizona Fire Weather Zone 150 Western Pima County-South Central Pinal County- Tohono O'Odham Nation-TDC- 212 PM MST Tue Apr 10 2018 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON THURSDAY TO 9 PM MST THURSDAY FOR STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 150... * AFFECTED AREA...All of Fire Weather Zone 150. * TIMING...From Noon Thursday through 9 pm MST Thursday evening. * WINDS...Sustained 20-foot westerly winds will increase during the late morning Thursday and peak around 15-25 mph with gusts near 35 mph in the afternoon. Wind speeds will diminish below critical thresholds Thursday evening. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum humidity levels will lower to 5-10 percent during the afternoon and early evening. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop or are ongoing will have the potential to spread rapidly. * FOR A DETAILED VIEW OF THE HAZARD AREA...Visit weather.gov/Tucson and click on the Detailed Hazards Icon. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now...or are expected to develop. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and dry vegetation will create the potential for rapid and erratic fire growth. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of the Red Flag Warning for portions of Southeast Arizona. && $$ Visit us on Facebook...Twitter...YouTube...and at weather.gov/Tucson
634 WWUS85 KTWC 111009 RFWTWC URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Tucson AZ 309 AM MST Wed Apr 11 2018 ...A RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING FOR SOUTHEAST ARIZONA DUE TO STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER... .The combination of strong and gusty winds and low humidity will create critical fire conditions across southeast Arizona Thursday afternoon and evening. Sustained 20-foot wind speeds exceeding 30 mph at times should occur in the mountains and are likely across the lower elevations east of Tucson. AZZ151>153-112300- /O.CON.KTWC.FW.W.0006.180412T1900Z-180413T0400Z/ /O.CON.KTWC.FW.A.0007.180413T1900Z-180414T0300Z/ Arizona Fire Weather Zone 151 Eastern Pima County-Southeastern Pinal County- Santa Cruz County-Western Cochise County- Coronado NF-TDC-Arizona Fire Weather Zone 152 Southern Greenlee County-Central and Eastern Cochise County- Southern Graham County-Southern San Carlos Apache Nation- Arizona Fire Weather Zone 153 Northern Graham County-Northern Greenlee County- White and Gila Mountains-Apache Sitgreaves NF-SDC- 309 AM MST Wed Apr 11 2018 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM MST THURSDAY FOR STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 151, 152 AND 153... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY, AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 151, 152 AND 153... * AFFECTED AREA...The Red Flag Warning on Thursday affects all of Fire Weather Zones 151, 152 and 153. The Fire Weather Watch Friday affects all of Fire Weather Zones 152 and 153, as well as the eastern half of Fire Weather Zone 151. * TIMING...The Red Flag Warning is in effect from Noon Thursday through 9 PM MST Thursday. The Fire Weather Watch is in effect from Noon Friday through 8 PM MST Friday. * WINDS...Sustained 20-foot southwest to west winds will increase late Thursday morning and peak around 20-30 mph with gusts near 40 mph late Thursday afternoon. Higher sustained winds and gusts are likely above 5000 ft. Winds are expected to diminish below critical thresholds Thursday evening. On Friday, winds will be from the northwest at 20 to 30 mph with gusts near 40 mph. The strongest winds will be in the upper Gila River Valley near Safford and in locations above 5000 ft. Speeds are expected to diminish below critical thresholds Friday evening. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum humidity levels will lower into the 8-13 percent range during the afternoon Thursday. Minimum humidity will be lower on Friday, generally in the 5 to 10 percent range across the lower elevations and slightly higher, between 10 and 15 percent in the mountains. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop or are ongoing will have the potential to spread rapidly. * FOR A DETAILED VIEW OF THE HAZARD AREA...Visit weather.gov/Tucson and click on the Detailed Hazards Icon. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now...or are expected to develop. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and dry vegetation will create the potential for rapid and erratic fire growth. A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of the Red Flag Warning and Fire Weather Watch for portions of Southeast Arizona. && $$ AZZ150-112300- /O.CON.KTWC.FW.W.0006.180412T1900Z-180413T0400Z/ Arizona Fire Weather Zone 150 Western Pima County-South Central Pinal County- Tohono O'Odham Nation-TDC- 309 AM MST Wed Apr 11 2018 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM MST THURSDAY FOR STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 150... * AFFECTED AREA...All of Fire Weather Zone 150. * TIMING...From Noon Thursday through 9 pm MST Thursday evening. * WINDS...Sustained 20-foot westerly winds will increase during the late morning Thursday and peak around 15-25 mph with gusts near 35 mph in the afternoon. Wind speeds will diminish below critical thresholds Thursday evening. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum humidity levels will lower to 5- 10 percent during the afternoon and early evening. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop or are ongoing will have the potential to spread rapidly. * FOR A DETAILED VIEW OF THE HAZARD AREA...Visit weather.gov/Tucson and click on the Detailed Hazards Icon. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now...or are expected to develop. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and dry vegetation will create the potential for rapid and erratic fire growth. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of the Red Flag Warning for portions of Southeast Arizona. && $$ Visit us on Facebook...Twitter...YouTube...and at weather.gov/Tucson
209 WWUS85 KTWC 111959 RFWTWC URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Tucson AZ 1259 PM MST Wed Apr 11 2018 ...A RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING FOR SOUTHEAST ARIZONA DUE TO STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER... .The combination of strong and gusty winds and low humidity will create critical fire conditions across southeast Arizona Thursday afternoon and evening. Sustained 20-foot wind speeds exceeding 30 mph at times should occur in the mountains and are likely across the lower elevations east of Tucson. AZZ151>153-121200- /O.CON.KTWC.FW.W.0006.180412T1900Z-180413T0400Z/ /O.CON.KTWC.FW.A.0007.180413T1900Z-180414T0300Z/ Arizona Fire Weather Zone 151 Eastern Pima County-Southeastern Pinal County- Santa Cruz County-Western Cochise County- Coronado NF-TDC-Arizona Fire Weather Zone 152 Southern Greenlee County-Central and Eastern Cochise County- Southern Graham County-Southern San Carlos Apache Nation- Arizona Fire Weather Zone 153 Northern Graham County-Northern Greenlee County- White and Gila Mountains-Apache Sitgreaves NF-SDC- 1259 PM MST Wed Apr 11 2018 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM MST THURSDAY FOR STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 151, 152 AND 153... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY, AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 151, 152 AND 153... * AFFECTED AREA...The Red Flag Warning on Thursday affects all of Fire Weather Zones 151, 152 and 153. The Fire Weather Watch Friday affects all of Fire Weather Zones 152 and 153, as well as the eastern half of Fire Weather Zone 151. * TIMING...The Red Flag Warning is in effect from Noon Thursday through 9 PM MST Thursday. The Fire Weather Watch is in effect from Noon Friday through 8 PM MST Friday. * WINDS...Sustained 20-foot southwest to west winds will increase late Thursday morning and peak around 20-30 mph with gusts near 40 mph late Thursday afternoon. Higher sustained winds and gusts are likely above 5000 ft. Winds are expected to diminish below critical thresholds Thursday evening. On Friday, winds will be from the northwest at 20 to 30 mph with gusts near 40 mph. The strongest winds will be in the upper Gila River Valley near Safford and in locations above 5000 ft. Speeds are expected to diminish below critical thresholds Friday evening. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum humidity levels will lower into the 8-13 percent range during the afternoon Thursday. Minimum humidity will be lower on Friday, generally in the 5 to 10 percent range across the lower elevations and slightly higher, between 10 and 15 percent in the mountains. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop or are ongoing will have the potential to spread rapidly. * FOR A DETAILED VIEW OF THE HAZARD AREA...Visit weather.gov/Tucson and click on the Detailed Hazards Icon. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now...or are expected to develop. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and dry vegetation will create the potential for rapid and erratic fire growth. A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of the Red Flag Warning and Fire Weather Watch for portions of Southeast Arizona. && $$ AZZ150-121200- /O.CON.KTWC.FW.W.0006.180412T1900Z-180413T0400Z/ Arizona Fire Weather Zone 150 Western Pima County-South Central Pinal County- Tohono O'Odham Nation-TDC- 1259 PM MST Wed Apr 11 2018 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM MST THURSDAY FOR STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 150... * AFFECTED AREA...All of Fire Weather Zone 150. * TIMING...From Noon Thursday through 9 pm MST Thursday evening. * WINDS...Sustained 20-foot westerly winds will increase during the late morning Thursday and peak around 15-25 mph with gusts near 35 mph in the afternoon. Wind speeds will diminish below critical thresholds Thursday evening. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum humidity levels will lower to 5- 10 percent during the afternoon and early evening. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop or are ongoing will have the potential to spread rapidly. * FOR A DETAILED VIEW OF THE HAZARD AREA...Visit weather.gov/Tucson and click on the Detailed Hazards Icon. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now...or are expected to develop. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and dry vegetation will create the potential for rapid and erratic fire growth. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of the Red Flag Warning for portions of Southeast Arizona. && $$ Visit us on Facebook...Twitter...YouTube...and at weather.gov/Tucson
460 WWUS85 KTWC 121027 RFWTWC URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Tucson AZ 327 AM MST Thu Apr 12 2018 ...A RED FLAG WARNING IS IN EFFECT LATE THIS MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING AND AGAIN FRIDAY AFTERNOON FOR SOUTHEAST ARIZONA DUE TO STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER... .A strong storm system will move across the area today through Friday. Very strong west to southwest winds will develop later today and continue well into the evening which combined with RHs less than 15 percent and dry fuels will create critical fire conditions across southeast Arizona. Wind gusts later today will reach 40+ mph across the valleys and 60+ mph across the mountain tops. This storm system will also produce gusty west to northwest winds Friday afternoon with very low RH levels resulting in critical fire weather conditions mainly east of Tucson. However, areas of critical fire weather conditions are possible Tucson westward Friday, especially over higher terrain. AZZ151>153-122300- /O.UPG.KTWC.FW.A.0007.180413T1900Z-180414T0300Z/ /O.NEW.KTWC.FW.W.0007.180413T1700Z-180414T0200Z/ /O.EXT.KTWC.FW.W.0006.180412T1800Z-180413T0400Z/ Arizona Fire Weather Zone 151 Eastern Pima County-Southeastern Pinal County- Santa Cruz County-Western Cochise County- Coronado NF-TDC-Arizona Fire Weather Zone 152 Southern Greenlee County-Central and Eastern Cochise County- Southern Graham County-Southern San Carlos Apache Nation- Arizona Fire Weather Zone 153 Northern Graham County-Northern Greenlee County- White and Gila Mountains-Apache Sitgreaves NF-SDC- 327 AM MST Thu Apr 12 2018 ...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 9 PM MST THIS EVENING FOR VERY STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 151, 152 AND 153... ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 7 PM MST FRIDAY FOR STRONG WINDS, VERY LOW HUMIDITY AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 151, 152 AND 153... The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from 10 AM to 7 PM MST Friday. The Fire Weather Watch has been replaced by the Red Flag Warning. * AFFECTED AREA...The Warnings affect all of Fire Weather Zones 151, 152 and 153 today and Friday. On Friday the main emphasis is on areas east of Tucson. * TIMING...The Red Flag Warning today is in effect from 11 AM MST through 9 PM MST this evening. The Red Flag Warning Friday is in effect from 10 AM MST through 7 PM MST. * WINDS...For today...sustained 20-foot southwest to west winds will increase late this morning peaking around 20-35 mph with gusts near 45 mph in the valleys and 35-45 mph with gusts to 65 mph in the mountains, mainly ridges well above 5000 ft. Winds are expected to slowly diminish below critical thresholds this evening although remain gusty through the night. On Friday, winds will be from the west-northwest at 20 to 30 mph with gusts near 40 mph. The strongest winds will be in the upper Gila River Valley near Safford and locations above 5000 ft. Speeds are expected to diminish below critical thresholds Friday evening. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum humidity levels will lower into the 8 to 14 percent range this afternoon. Minimum humidity will be lower on Friday, generally 4 to 10 percent across the lower elevations and 10 and 15 percent in the mountains. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop or are ongoing will have the potential to spread rapidly and be difficult to control. * FOR A DETAILED VIEW OF THE HAZARD AREA...Visit weather.gov/Tucson and click on the Detailed Hazards Icon. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of the Red Flag Warning and Fire Weather Watch for portions of Southeast Arizona. && PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now...or are expected to develop. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and dry vegetation will create the potential for rapid and erratic fire growth. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of the Red Flag Warning for portions of Southeast Arizona. && $$ AZZ150-122300- /O.NEW.KTWC.FW.W.0007.180413T1700Z-180414T0200Z/ /O.EXT.KTWC.FW.W.0006.180412T1800Z-180413T0400Z/ Arizona Fire Weather Zone 150 Western Pima County-South Central Pinal County- Tohono O'Odham Nation-TDC- 327 AM MST Thu Apr 12 2018 ...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 9 PM MST THIS EVENING FOR VERY STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 150... ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 7 PM MST FRIDAY FOR STRONG WINDS, VERY LOW HUMIDITY AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 150... * AFFECTED AREA...Widespread across all of Fire Weather Zone 150 today and more spotty in coverage in zone 150 on Friday. * TIMING...From 11 AM MST this morning through 9 PM MST this evening and Friday from 10 AM MST through 7 PM MST in the evening. * WINDS...Sustained 20-foot westerly winds will increase during the late morning and peak around 20-30 mph with gusts near 45 mph in the afternoon. Wind speeds will diminish below critical thresholds late this evening. Winds on Friday will be in the 10-25 mph range with gusts to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum humidity levels will lower to 4 to 10 percent during the afternoon and early evening hours both days. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop or are ongoing will have the potential to spread rapidly and will be difficult to control. * FOR A DETAILED VIEW OF THE HAZARD AREA...Visit weather.gov/Tucson and click on the Detailed Hazards Icon. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now...or are expected to develop. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and dry vegetation will create the potential for rapid and erratic fire growth. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of the Red Flag Warning for portions of Southeast Arizona. && $$ Cerniglia Visit us on Facebook...Twitter...YouTube...and at weather.gov/Tucson
367 WWUS85 KTWC 122122 RFWTWC URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Tucson AZ 222 PM MST Thu Apr 12 2018 ...A RED FLAG WARNING IS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING AND AGAIN FRIDAY FROM LATE MORNING INTO EARLY EVENING FOR SOUTHEAST ARIZONA DUE TO STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER... .Very strong west to southwest winds will continue into the evening which combined with humidities less than 15 percent and dry fuels will create critical fire conditions across southeast Arizona. Wind gusts 40 to 45 mph across the valleys and 55 to 65 mph across the mountain tops will be common. Gusty west to northwest winds are forecast Friday afternoon with very low humidities resulting in critical fire weather conditions mainly east of Tucson. However, critical fire weather conditions are possible Tucson westward Friday, especially over higher terrain. AZZ150>153-130400- /O.CON.KTWC.FW.W.0006.000000T0000Z-180413T0400Z/ /O.CON.KTWC.FW.W.0007.180413T1700Z-180414T0200Z/ Arizona Fire Weather Zone 150 Western Pima County-South Central Pinal County- Tohono O'Odham Nation-TDC-Arizona Fire Weather Zone 151 Eastern Pima County-Southeastern Pinal County- Santa Cruz County-Western Cochise County- Coronado NF-TDC-Arizona Fire Weather Zone 152 Southern Greenlee County-Central and Eastern Cochise County- Southern Graham County-Southern San Carlos Apache Nation- Arizona Fire Weather Zone 153 Northern Graham County-Northern Greenlee County- White and Gila Mountains-Apache Sitgreaves NF-SDC- 222 PM MST Thu Apr 12 2018 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MST THIS EVENING FOR VERY STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 151, 152 AND 153... ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 7 PM MST FRIDAY FOR STRONG WINDS, VERY LOW HUMIDITY AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 151, 152 AND 153... * AFFECTED AREA...The Warnings affect all of Fire Weather Zones 151, 152 and 153 today and Friday. On Friday the main emphasis is on areas east of Tucson. * TIMING...The Red Flag Warning until 9 PM MST this evening. The Red Flag Warning Friday is in effect from 10 AM MST through 7 PM MST. * WINDS...Sustained 20-foot southwest to west winds will continue at 20-35 mph with gusts near 45 mph in the valleys and 35-45 mph with gusts to 65 mph in the mountains, especially ridges well above 5000 ft. Winds are expected to slowly diminish below critical thresholds late this evening although remain gusty through the night. On Friday, winds will be from the west- northwest at 20 to 30 mph with gusts near 40 mph. The strongest winds will be in the upper Gila River Valley near Safford and locations above 5000 ft. Speeds are expected to diminish below critical thresholds Friday evening. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum humidity levels between 8 to 14 percent in the valleys and 11 to 16 percent in the mountains will continue into this evening. Minimum humidity will be lower on Friday, generally 4 to 10 percent across the lower elevations and 9 to 14 percent in the mountains. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop or are ongoing will have the potential to spread rapidly and be difficult to control. * FOR A DETAILED VIEW OF THE HAZARD AREA...Visit weather.gov/Tucson and click on the Detailed Hazards Icon. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now...or are expected to develop. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and dry vegetation will create the potential for rapid and erratic fire growth. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of the Red Flag Warning for portions of Southeast Arizona. && $$ Visit us on Facebook...Twitter...YouTube...and at weather.gov/Tucson
814 WWUS85 KTWC 130403 RFWTWC URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Tucson AZ 903 PM MST Thu Apr 12 2018 ...A RED FLAG WARNING IS IN FRIDAY FROM LATE MORNING INTO EARLY EVENING FOR SOUTHEAST ARIZONA DUE TO STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER... .Gusty west to northwest winds are forecast Friday afternoon with very low humidities resulting in critical fire weather conditions mainly east of Tucson. However, critical fire weather conditions are possible Tucson westward Friday, especially over higher terrain. AZZ150>153-131400- /O.EXP.KTWC.FW.W.0006.000000T0000Z-180413T0400Z/ /O.CON.KTWC.FW.W.0007.180413T1700Z-180414T0200Z/ Arizona Fire Weather Zone 150 Western Pima County-South Central Pinal County- Tohono O'Odham Nation-TDC-Arizona Fire Weather Zone 151 Eastern Pima County-Southeastern Pinal County- Santa Cruz County-Western Cochise County- Coronado NF-TDC-Arizona Fire Weather Zone 152 Southern Greenlee County-Central and Eastern Cochise County- Southern Graham County-Southern San Carlos Apache Nation- Arizona Fire Weather Zone 153 Northern Graham County-Northern Greenlee County- White and Gila Mountains-Apache Sitgreaves NF-SDC- 903 PM MST Thu Apr 12 2018 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 7 PM MST FRIDAY FOR VERY STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 151, 152 AND 153... * AFFECTED AREA...The Warnings affect all of Fire Weather Zones 151, 152 and 153 Friday with the main emphasis on areas east of Tucson. * TIMING...The Red Flag Warning Friday is in effect from 10 AM MST through 7 PM MST. * WINDS...On Friday, winds will be from the west- northwest at 20 to 30 mph with gusts near 40 mph. The strongest winds will be in the upper Gila River Valley near Safford and locations above 5000 ft. Speeds are expected to diminish below critical thresholds Friday evening. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum humidity Friday will generally be 4 to 10 percent across the lower elevations and 9 to 14 percent in the mountains. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop or are ongoing will have the potential to spread rapidly and be difficult to control. * FOR A DETAILED VIEW OF THE HAZARD AREA...Visit weather.gov/Tucson and click on the Detailed Hazards Icon. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now...or are expected to develop. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and dry vegetation will create the potential for rapid and erratic fire growth. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of the Red Flag Warning for portions of Southeast Arizona. && $$ Visit us on Facebook...Twitter...YouTube...and at weather.gov/Tucson
What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this red flag warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Tucson, AZ wrote its last area forecast discussion before this red flag warning went out at Apr 10, 9:25 AM MST, 2 minutes earlier.
Area forecast discussion, Apr 10, 9:25 AM MST, 2 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
925 AM MST Tue Apr 10 2018
.SYNOPSIS...Unseasonably warm with near record highs today and
Wednesday. A storm system moving north of the area Thursday and
Friday will bring strong gusty winds and cooler temperatures.
Critical fire conditions and blowing dust Thursday across much of
the area, and critical fire conditions Friday mainly east of
Tucson.
&&
.DISCUSSION...The following changes were made to the inherited
forecast headlines and after coordination with neighboring WFO's:
1) Fire Weather Watch for Thursday afternoon through Thursday evening
was upgraded to a Red Flag Warning.
2) Fire Weather Watch was added for Friday afternoon through Friday
evening for Fire Zones 151, 152 and 153; or, generally from Tucson
eastward to the New Mexico state line.
3) Wind Advisory was issued from 11 AM to 9 PM MST Thursday generally
from Tucson eastward to the New Mexico state line.
Based on receipt of the 10/12Z NAM12/GFS and associated MET/MAV
guidance, these changes are well supported.
Please refer to the additional sections for further detail.
&&
.AVIATION...Valid through 11/18Z.
FEW-SCT clouds above 20k ft AGL thru the forecast period. Surface
wind variable in direction mainly less than 12 kts. Aviation
discussion not updated for TAF amendments.
&&
.FIRE WEATHER...A Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon to 9 PM
MST Thursday for all of southeast Arizona (Fire Zones 150, 151, 152
and 153). The combination of strong and gusty mainly west winds, low
relative humidity and a high fire danger will create critical fire
weather conditions.
A Fire Weather Watch is also in effect from Friday afternoon through
Friday evening for Fire Zones 151, 152 and 153. The combination of
strong and gusty northwest winds, low relative humidity and a high
fire danger may create critical fire weather conditions.
20-foot wind speeds will mainly be less than 15 mph today. Gusty
southwest to west winds will occur Wednesday afternoon, but are
expected to remain below critical fire weather thresholds. Very
strong and gusty winds are expected Thursday into Friday. In
addition to the Red Flag Warning on Thursday critical fire
conditions may occur Friday afternoon and evening primarily from
Tucson eastward. Thereafter, a very dry regime should continue
Saturday into next Monday, but lighter wind speeds will lessen
critical fire conditions.
&&
.CLIMATE...Here are tables of forecast temperatures and record high
temperatures for today and Wednesday.
Today Wednesday
FCST RCD/YR FCST RCD/YR
Tucson Intl Airport 95 96/1989 96 95/1988
Bisbee-Douglas Airport 89 89/2014 93 89/1971
Ajo 98 101/1989 99 98/2014
Kitt Peak 79 77/1989 82 79/1989
Organ Pipe Cactus 97 98/2014 98 98/1988
Picacho Peak 95 99/1989 97 96/2002
Safford Ag Station 90 95/1989 95 92/1960
Sierra Vista FD 87 89/1989 91 87/2014
Tombstone 88 90/1960 91 90/2014
Willcox 88 90/1972 90 91/1946
The historical average (1895-2017) first 95 degree date for Tucson
is May 1. Since 1980 the average date is April 25 while in the 21st
century the average date is April 22.
&&
.PREV DISCUSSION /255 AM MST/...A smorgasbord of weather events this
week across southeast Arizona. First we will have record or near
record high temperatures today and tomorrow, strong gusty winds on
Thursday and Friday with critical fire weather conditions on
Thursday and possibly on Friday, then cold overnight lows Saturday
with a few spots possible getting close to record lows for April
14th. Whew! The only thing missing is much needed rain. Now for the
details.
Upper ridge axis, which extended from Idaho south into the desert
southwest will continue to move east today. Highs will be near
record highs for today, April 10th, with the unseasonably warm April
temperatures continuing on Wednesday bringing another round of
record or near record highs.
Pressure gradient starts to increase on Wednesday in advance of an
upper level trof that will bring very strong gusty winds on Thursday
as it moves across the state. Main concerns outside of the gusty
winds, which will likely exceed wind advisory criteria Thursday
afternoon into Thursday evening, will be critical fire weather
conditions area wide on Thursday along with areas of blowing dust.
See fire weather section below for additional details on fire
weather watch on Thursday with potential for critical fire weather
conditions east of Tucson on Friday.
Highs on Thursday will run 8 to 12 degrees colder than Wednesday
then turning much colder on Friday with forecast highs 12 to 20
degrees colder than Thursday.
So to recap over the next four days highs will be 13 to 16 degrees
ABOVE normal today and Wednesday then by Friday they will be 8 to 13
degrees BELOW normal. It's Spring.
The colder airmass will also result in much colder overnight lows
Friday night into Saturday morning. Still some uncertainty on how
cold the lows will get with the ECMWF colder than the GFS. What is
certain is that the colder eastern and southern valleys will see a
late season freeze. Looking at the ECMWF MOS for parts of Cochise
county, a few record lows are possible. At this time made some
slight adjustments down for the lows. Still plenty of time to make
changes.
Temperature rebound nicely over the weekend as upper ridging builds
back over the desert southwest. Another dry trof early next week
will bring another round of gusty winds, but not as strong as what
will occur on Thursday.
&&
.TWC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Red Flag Warning from noon to 9 PM MST Thursday for AZZ150>153.
Wind Advisory from 11 AM to 9 PM MST Thursday for AZZ504-507>514.
Fire Weather Watch from Friday afternoon through Friday evening
for AZZ151>153.
&&
DISCUSSION...Francis
AVIATION...Carpenter
FIRE WEATHER...Carpenter
PREV DISCUSSION...74
Visit us on Facebook...Twitter...YouTube...and at weather.gov/TucsonThe office that day
Everything else NWS Tucson, AZ issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 10, 9:03 AM MST | Wind Advisory | TWC | Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz | 59 hr |
| Apr 10, 9:27 AM MST | Fire Weather Watch | TWC | Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz | 42 hr |
| Apr 10, 3:03 PM MST | High Wind Watch | TWC | Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Pinal | 24 hr |
Nearby
Red Flag Warnings in Arizona, 2018Every red flag warning in 2018
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.