The Southwest is bracing for a return of dangerous fire weather conditions this week, as a series of storm systems bring strong winds, dry air and warm temperatures to an already parched landscape. Forecasters warn that these ingredients could lead to fast-moving wildfires, with Friday expected to bring the highest threat.

While spring storms that bring gusty winds and dry air to the South are not unusual, Frank Pereira, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said that the concern this time was how dry the vegetation had become, making it easier for fires to start and spread.

“Unfortunately, a lot of what’s playing into these fire conditions across Texas right now is the fact that they’ve been dry for quite some time,” Pereira said.

The fire risk will increase in two phases. Between today and Thursday, a weather system moving through the southern Rocky Mountains will strengthen a storm over the Central Plains. South of this system, gusty winds and very dry air will spread across the southern High Plains, increasing the potential for fires to spread quickly.

— The New York Times