SPC Day 3-8 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 3-8 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0437 PM CST Sat Dec 20 2025 Valid 221200Z - 281200Z ...Synopsis... Increasing mid to upper-level heights are expected over the central and southern CONUS by early next week as a ridge migrates eastward over Chihuahua Mexico and into the Southern Plains. This ridge will continue to drift eastward through mid to late next week over the Gulf, while troughing begins to impact the Pacific Northwest. Persistent west to southwest mid-level flow across the Rockies will aid in lee troughing throughout next week, and the potential for some breezy winds at the surface across the Central and Southern High Plains. ...Southern High Plains... Breezy westerly downslope winds are expected to impact the TX and OK Panhandles and east-central NM by Monday/D3. Low critical probabilities will remain in the forecast here, though there are some indications of only locally critical RH being reached. Decreasing surface wind speeds will accompany a decreasing surface pressure gradient Tuesday/D4 across this same region. By Wednesday/D5, however, increasing downslope flow will return as a lee trough deepens. This stronger surface flow will likely be more confined to the northwestern/western TX/OK Panhandles and far northeastern NM, where low critical probabilities remain in place from the previous forecast. In addition, fuels across this landscape will become more receptive to fire start/spread with very little to no sign of appreciable precipitation and above average temperatures/low relative humidity anticipated through the extended forecast. ..Barnes.. 12/20/2025 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product...
