311
FNUS22 KWNS 241909
FWDDY2

Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0208 PM CDT Fri Apr 24 2026

Valid 251200Z - 261200Z

...Southern Plains into portions of the Southwest...
A subtle mid-level short wave embedded within westerly zonal flow
will move into the Southern Plains. An attendant but modest wind
maxima aloft in addition to a deepening lee surface low across
northwestern TX will maintain dry and breezy conditions for portions
of the Southwest and Southern Plains Saturday. Elevated fire weather
conditions including west to southwest winds of up to 20 mph and
relative humidity in the 10-15% range are still expected. The
elevated fire weather threat was nudged northward into south central
CO based on latest model guidance and overall persistent westerly
flow aloft. Localized downslope enhanced winds of around 20 mph,
relative humidity near 15% and dry fuels will increase fire spread
potential.

Farther west, an influx of subtropical Pacific moisture ahead of a
more pronounced trough impinging upon the CA Coast will promote
increasing cloud cover over the broader CO River Basin Saturday.
Some precipitation is likely to develop late Saturday afternoon and
evening, temporarily mitigating fire weather concerns amid an
otherwise breezy day across the region.

..Williams.. 04/24/2026

.PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 1257 AM CDT Fri Apr 24 2026/

...Synopsis...
A broad, large-scale upper level trough will be anchored near the
international border over the central US through the weekend. To the
east, the prevailing upper-level ridge will collapse on Day
2/Saturday as an approaching mid-level shortwave trough triggers
widespread precipitation over the Midwest and Appalachians. This
change is expected to provide some relief to the critically dry
fuels over these regions. However, for areas bypassed by appreciable
rainfall (especially east of the southern Appalachians), the fire
risk posed by lingering drought conditions will persist.

...Southern Plains into portions of the Southwest...
Zonal flow aloft will remain in place across the Southwest on
Saturday, sustaining very breezy and dry conditions. Following
several consecutive days of heightened fire weather, the fuel
environment remains highly stressed, especially over northern
extents of the drawn area. Westerly downslope winds of 15-20 mph
will coincide with relative humidity values of 10-20% over receptive
fuels, further aggravating the fire risk. Consequently, an Elevated
area exists for Day 2/Saturday across much of New Mexico, southeast
Arizona, and portions of west Texas where fuels are receptive. While
the dryline is expected to surge farther east across
southwest/central Texas, fuel conditions near and south/east of
Midland appear to be less receptive overall. However, this event
will work to dry fuels over this region and may promote future risk
across this area.

...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product...

$$