Red flag warnings continue in Quay County with a forecast of lighter winds but no chance of moisture in the area until Monday.

Both red flag warnings and high wind warnings are in effect for Quay County today, said National Weather Service Meteorologist Brent Wachter.

Wachter said today’s forecast calls for 35-45 mph winds with gusts up to 65 mph.

“The winds should die down by Wednesday,” Wachter said. “There will be breezy to windy conditions but it does not look to be as near as critical as Tuesday.”

Wachter said there is zero chance of precipitation for Quay County until Monday when a Pacific front moves in.

“It is not a huge chance but is one to watch,” Wacther said.

The area will see a cool down of 10-to-15 degrees on Wednesday, Wacther said. He said temperatures will start warming up on Thursday.

“Temperatures will be 5-to-10 degrees above normal Friday through Sunday,” Wacther said. “With low moisture and winds there is always a potential for fire danger.”

Red flag warnings were in effect on Thursday and that had area fire crews on alert.

“The guys take days like these very seriously,” said Quay County Fire Marshal Donald Adams.

All they can do is make sure equipment is ready when calls come in, said Tucumcari Fire Chief Mike Cherry.

Adams said many volunteer firefighters have been staying in contact with their departments. He said they have been sticking close to home in case they are needed.

“On a day like this with the wind gust so high you fight to get ahead of the fire,” Adams said.

On March 26, Tucumcari and seven Quay County fire departments fought a wildfire on Interstate 40 near Endee for five hours. The fire consumed 1,225 acres in New Mexico and 200 acres in Texas.

Adams said on high wind and low moisture days everyone is affected. He said residents and travelers need to be mindful about the fire dangers.

Adams said, “All it will take is one little spark and we are off.”