With wind gusts of 50 -60 mph firefighters are having difficulty getting the upperhand on the rapidly moving blaze. More than 4,500 acres has burned since last Thursday. President Clinton has declared New Mexico a major disaster area. US Heat Wave Strong thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours, hail and gusty winds are moving across the eastern seaboard this afternoon. Severe thunderstorm watches and warnings have been issued from New York to Virginia.
Forecasts call for near normal temperatures during the next few days.
Heat Slams Eastern US Summertime continued today across the eastern third of the United States. In New York City hospitals reported more than two dozen victims suffering from heat stress. Forecasters predict a break from the spring heat wave should come in the form of strong cold front currently moving east from the great lakes region. Abilene, Texas hit a toasty 103 F Sunday while many eastern cities basked in the low to mid 90's. More of the same is expected today as the sizzling temperatures climb right back into record territory.