Severe Thunderstorms in the Central U.S.; Record Temperatures Likely for Eastern U.S.

Several rounds of severe thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast from the southern Plains to the Midwest through Friday. Large hail, damaging wind gusts, and tornadoes are possible. A significant warm-up is expected for much of the Eastern U.S. into next week. Several daily record temperature records are likely to be broken. Fire weather concerns will return to the central/southern High Plains. Read More >

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Last Map Update: Thu, Mar 5, 2026 at 5:10:07 am MST

Watches, Warnings & Advisories

National Weather Service Grand Junction, CO

National Weather Service NWS Flagstaff, AZ

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National Weather Service NWS Tucson Arizona

Red Flag Warning

Wind Advisory

Fire Weather Watch

Hazardous Weather Outlook

High Fire Danger

Windy Thu/Fri

Wetter Next Week?

Fire Safety

Elevated to critical fire weather conditions will develop this afternoon for all areas below snowpack due to strong southwest winds, above normal temperatures, and humidity values falling below 10 percent. However, fire danger is highest across eastern NM due to dry fuels. Critical fire weather conditions will return on Friday across eastern NM due to strong westerly winds and humidity values falling below 15 percent.

Strong southwest winds with gusts between 30 and 45 mph will be common this afternoon areawide. Then on Friday, westerly winds with gusts up to 50 mph will plague eastern NM. On Friday, strong westerly winds will begin early Friday morning and persist through the afternoon hours. These strong winds combined with low humidity will increase the potential for rapid fire spread if a fire starts each day.

Precipitation chances will increase early next week, with higher chances for areas south of I-40. Snow levels will be high, with very light accumulations above 9,000 feet. Rainfall amounts will not be significant, but will certainly be welcomed given the recent dry weather.

Continued warm, dry, and breezy to windy conditions during the week ahead will lead to an enhanced threat of wildfire spread. This will be particularly true on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.