...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 8 PM MDT SATURDAY DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTHEAST PLAINS AND NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS... ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MDT THIS EVENING DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR THE EAST CENTRAL PLAINS... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR MUCH OF CENTRAL TO EAST CENTRAL NEW MEXICO... .Windy and dry conditions will continue through early this evening across the east central plains, keeping a threat for critical fire weather over the area. Conditions will temporarily improve in the early evening when wind speeds subside. Winds will restrengthen on Saturday over a more widespread portion of northern and central New Mexico. Humidity will not have recovered much Saturday morning, making it easy for relative humidity values to plummet further into the afternoon. This will increase the threat for critical fire weather on Saturday. Currently, confidence is highest over the northeastern highlands and northeastern plains where the Fire Weather Watch was upgraded to a Red Flag Warning. A Fire Weather Watch continues for central to east central New Mexico where conditions are a bit more marginal and confidence is not quite as high.

* AFFECTED AREA...Middle Rio Grande Valley (Zone 106) and Central Highlands (Zone 125).

* TIMING...From Saturday afternoon through Saturday evening.

* 20 FOOT WINDS...Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Relative Humidity between 6 to 9 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.