ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Forecasters say windy weather is making much of New Mexico ripe for wildfires.
A hazardous weather outlook has been issued for portions of northern and central New Mexico through Wednesday evening.
Winds are expected to kick up Wednesday afternoon in northwestern New Mexico and expand eastward later Wednesday across the Albuquerque area and into the eastern slopes and high plains.
The National Weather Service says gusts of up to 50 mph are expected near Gallup and in higher terrain. Eastern parts of the state could see wind gusts up to 65 mph.
The strong winds are forecast to taper off Thursday morning but not for long. Conditions conducive to fires are expected to resume later Thursday in a more limited area of central and eastern New Mexico.
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