Alert archive / Arizona / Red Flag Warnings in 2021

Red Flag Warning 4, NWS Tucson, AZ

March 20, 20216 counties in Arizona

NWS Tucson, AZ issued this red flag warning at Mar 20, 2021, 2:02 PM MST for 6 counties in Arizona. It took effect at Mar 21, 2021, 12:00 PM MST. It was in force for 6 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 20, 2021, 2:02 PM MST (21:02 UTC)
In effect from
Mar 21, 2021, 12:00 PM MST
Expired
Mar 21, 2021, 6:00 PM MST
In force
6 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 21:01 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

Tuscon, AZ (KTUS), launched 12:00Z, 9.0 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.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Tuscon, AZ at 12:00Z on 2021-03-20Temperature 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 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Tuscon, AZ at 12:00Z on 2021-03-20The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -46 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 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
3524 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
37 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-46 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
7 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

236 
WWUS85 KTWC 202102
RFWTWC

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
202 PM MST Sat Mar 20 2021

AZZ152-154-211000-
/O.UPG.KTWC.FW.A.0003.210321T1900Z-210322T0100Z/
/O.NEW.KTWC.FW.W.0004.210321T1900Z-210322T0100Z/
Arizona Fire Weather Zone 152
Eastern half Desert Grasslands FDRA including elevations up to
5500 feet in Southwest Graham County and Eastern two thirds of
Cochise County-Southern San Carlos Reservation-
Southern Greenlee County below 5000 feet-TDC-
Arizona Fire Weather Zone 154
Forest Woodlands FDRA including the Sky Islands of Southeast
Arizona above 5500 feet-Coronado NF-TDC-
202 PM MST Sat Mar 20 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 6 PM MST SUNDAY FOR 
STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER RATING FOR THE 
SOUTHEAST PARTS OF FIRE WEATHER ZONES 152 AND 154...

The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued a Red Flag
Warning, which is in effect from noon to 6 PM MST Sunday. This
replaces the Fire Weather Watch.

* AFFECTED AREA...For fire weather zone 154, only the Chiricahua 
  Mountains along with the Southeast half of fire weather zone 
  152. 

* TIMING...Noon through 6 PM MST.

* WINDS...Westerly winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 40 mph in
  the warning area. 

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum RH 10 to 15 percent in 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 Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are possible in the watch area. Listen for later forecasts and
possible Red Flag Warnings.

&&

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
3 follow-up statements
632 
WWUS85 KTWC 211037
RFWTWC

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
337 AM MST Sun Mar 21 2021

AZZ152-154-212300-
/O.CON.KTWC.FW.W.0004.210321T1900Z-210322T0100Z/
Arizona Fire Weather Zone 152
Eastern half Desert Grasslands FDRA including elevations up to
5500 feet in Southwest Graham County and Eastern two thirds of
Cochise County-Southern San Carlos Reservation-
Southern Greenlee County below 5000 feet-TDC-
Arizona Fire Weather Zone 154
Forest Woodlands FDRA including the Sky Islands of Southeast
Arizona above 5500 feet-Coronado NF-TDC-
337 AM MST Sun Mar 21 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 6 PM MST
THIS EVENING FOR STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY AND A HIGH FIRE
DANGER RATING FOR THE SOUTHEAST PARTS OF FIRE WEATHER ZONES
152 AND 154...

* AFFECTED AREA...For fire weather zone 154, only the Chiricahua 
  Mountains along with the Southeast half of fire weather zone 
  152. 

* TIMING...Noon through 6 PM MST.

* WINDS...Westerly winds of 15 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph in 
  the warning area. 

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum RH 10 to 15 percent in the 
  afternoon.

* 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.

&&

$$

Cerniglia
Visit us on Facebook...Twitter...YouTube...and at weather.gov/Tucson
215 
WWUS85 KTWC 212133
RFWTWC

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
233 PM MST Sun Mar 21 2021

AZZ152-154-220100-
/O.NEW.KTWC.FW.A.0004.210323T1900Z-210324T0200Z/
/O.CON.KTWC.FW.W.0004.000000T0000Z-210322T0100Z/
Arizona Fire Weather Zone 152
Eastern half Desert Grasslands FDRA including elevations up to
5500 feet in Southwest Graham County and Eastern two thirds of
Cochise County-Southern San Carlos Reservation-
Southern Greenlee County below 5000 feet-TDC-
Arizona Fire Weather Zone 154
Forest Woodlands FDRA including the Sky Islands of Southeast
Arizona above 5500 feet-Coronado NF-TDC-
233 PM MST Sun Mar 21 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MST THIS EVENING
FOR STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY, AND A HIGH FIRE DANGER RATING FOR
THE SOUTHEAST PARTS OF FIRE WEATHER ZONES 152 AND 154...
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING FOR STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY, AND A HIGH FIRE 
DANGER RATING FOR SOUTHERN PARTS OF FIRE WEATHER ZONES 152 AND 
154...

The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued a Fire Weather
Watch, which is in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday
evening. 

* AFFECTED AREA...Red flag warning this afternoon for fire weather
  zone 154, only the Chiricahua Mountains along with the southeast
  half of fire weather zone 152. Fire weather watch Tuesday for 
  the sky islands of fire weather zone 154 in Cochise and Santa 
  Cruz Counties and the southern part of fire weather zone 152.

* TIMING...Red flag warning through 6 PM MST today. Fire Weather 
  Watch Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday evening.

* WINDS...Westerly winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph in the
  warning area this afternoon. Tuesday westerly winds 20 to 30 
  mph with gusts to 40 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum RH 10 to 15 percent this afternoon 
  and Tuesday.

* 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.

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 Fire Weather Watch for portions of Southeast
Arizona.

&&

$$

AZZ151-220100-
/O.NEW.KTWC.FW.A.0004.210323T1900Z-210324T0200Z/
Arizona Fire Weather Zone 151
Western half Desert Grasslands FDRA including elevations up to
5500 feet in Southeast corner of Pinal County-
Extreme Eastern Pima County-Western third of Cochise County-
Santa Cruz County-TDC-
233 PM MST Sun Mar 21 2021

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING FOR STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY, AND A HIGH FIRE 
DANGER RATING FOR SOUTHERN PARTS OF FIRE WEATHER ZONE 151...

The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued a Fire Weather
Watch, which is in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday
evening. 

* AFFECTED AREA...Southern part of fire weather zone 151.

* TIMING...Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday evening.

* WINDS...Westerly 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum RH 10 to 15 percent.

* 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 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 Fire Weather Watch for portions of Southeast
Arizona.

&&

$$


Visit us on Facebook...Twitter...YouTube...and at weather.gov/Tucson
808 
WWUS85 KTWC 220100
RFWTWC

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
600 PM MST Sun Mar 21 2021


AZZ152-154-221200-
/O.EXP.KTWC.FW.W.0004.000000T0000Z-210322T0100Z/
/O.CON.KTWC.FW.A.0004.210323T1900Z-210324T0200Z/
Arizona Fire Weather Zone 152
Eastern half Desert Grasslands FDRA including elevations up to
5500 feet in Southwest Graham County and Eastern two thirds of
Cochise County-Southern San Carlos Reservation-
Southern Greenlee County below 5000 feet-TDC-
Arizona Fire Weather Zone 154
Forest Woodlands FDRA including the Sky Islands of Southeast
Arizona above 5500 feet-Coronado NF-TDC-
600 PM MST Sun Mar 21 2021

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON 
THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING FOR STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY, AND A HIGH
FIRE DANGER RATING FOR SOUTHERN PARTS OF FIRE WEATHER ZONES 152 
AND 154... 

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire weather watch Tuesday for the sky islands 
  of fire weather zone 154 in Cochise and Santa Cruz Counties and 
  the southern part of fire weather zone 152. 

* TIMING...Fire Weather Watch Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday 
  evening. 

* WINDS...Tuesday westerly winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 
  mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum RH 10 to 15 percent Tuesday. 

* 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 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 Fire Weather Watch for portions of Southeast
Arizona.

&&

$$

AZZ151-221200-
/O.CON.KTWC.FW.A.0004.210323T1900Z-210324T0200Z/
Arizona Fire Weather Zone 151
Western half Desert Grasslands FDRA including elevations up to
5500 feet in Southeast corner of Pinal County-
Extreme Eastern Pima County-Western third of Cochise County-
Santa Cruz County-TDC-
600 PM MST Sun Mar 21 2021

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING FOR STRONG WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY, AND A
HIGH FIRE DANGER RATING FOR SOUTHERN PARTS OF FIRE WEATHER ZONE
151...

* AFFECTED AREA...Southern part of fire weather zone 151.

* TIMING...Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday evening.

* WINDS...Westerly 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum RH 10 to 15 percent.

* 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 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 Fire Weather Watch for portions of Southeast
Arizona.

&&

$$


Visit us on Facebook...Twitter...YouTube...and at weather.gov/Tucson

The office that day

Everything else NWS Tucson, AZ issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Mar 20, 3:04 AM MSTFire Weather WatchTWCCochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz11 hr

Nearby

Red Flag Warnings in Arizona, 2021Every red flag warning in 2021

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.