The drop in temperatures, and the possibility of rain, could help firefighters this week fighting against the fires in southern New Mexicowhich left one dead, damaged hundreds of structures and forced the evacuation of thousands of people.
Strong winds fanned the larger of two wildfires in the mountain town of Ruidoso, forcing residents to immediately flee.
It is expected that the weather patterns change Wednesday morning thanks to moisture from a tropical wave in the Gulf of Mexico, said Joshua Schroeder of the National Metereological Service in Albuquerque.
“Today was really our last dry day,” he explained Tuesday night. “Rains will peak Thursday and taper off by the weekend.”
On the downside, he noted, changes in winds are possible later Wednesday, and rain could cause flash flooding in freshly burned areas.
Ruidoso and much of the southwest have had a drier and hotter spring than usual. This, added to the strong winds, caused the flames to get out of control on Monday and Tuesday, causing the rapid advance of the fire known as South Fork in the town. In addition to homes and businesses, a regional medical center and the Ruidoso Downs racetrack were evacuated.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office confirmed one death from the fire but did not provide further details.
More than 500 structures have been destroyed or damaged, but it was unclear how many of them were homes.
Lujan Grisham declared a countywide state of emergency, which extended to the nearby Mescalero Apache Reservation, where two fires started, and mobilized National Guard troops. The declaration unlocks additional funds and resources to manage the crisis.
In all the country, the fires have devastated more than 8,495 square kilometers (3,280 square miles) so far this year, a figure higher than the averages of the last 10 years, according to the United States Fire Administration. There are about 20 active fires, including in California and Washington Statewhich are considered large and are not controlled.
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