Wildfires threaten millions in southwestern US
Apr 18, 2025
Washington [US], April 18: US authorities have issued a red alert for more than 4.5 million people due to the weather conditions, including high temperatures, strong winds, and low relative humidity, which will continue through the weekend in the southwestern United States.
New Mexico is facing an extreme risk, the highest level of warning issued by the National Weather Service, due to wind gusts that could reach 60 mph today, with relative humidity between 5 and 10 percent.
This extreme warning means a threat to life and property from existing or potential wildfires due to weather and fuel conditions.
Parts of eastern Arizona and New Mexico are at critical risk, the second-highest level, including the cities of Tucson, Catalina Foothills, Las Cruces, and Roswell, official said.
Officials added that dry and windy conditions will increase the risk of wildfires in these areas and will continue to intensify.
The fires are due to a summer heat wave and drought affecting southern South America, caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon. Scientists warn that rising global temperatures increase the risk of natural disasters, such as extreme heat and wildfires.
Source: Times of Oman
