Gale Force Winds Expected For New Mexico

Pastor Dewey Moede

7 years ago

Forecasters are warning that parts of New Mexico are in for more windy conditions later this week and that means higher fire danger. There will be strong southwest winds across northern and central New Mexico. Gusts could range from 50 to 70 mph tomorrow afternoon. Red flag warnings have been issued for the areas through Thursday evening. The warnings came as firefighters in Albuquerque doused 2 fires that broke out in the dry wooded area along the Rio Grande Tuesday afternoon. Conditions are dry, more than three-quarters of the state is dealing with severe to extreme drought. Please pray for rain.

WIND AND DUST FORECAST

A potent low pressure system is moving onto the Pacific Northwest Coast today. It will rapidly dig into Arizona then cross New Mexico late Thursday and Friday. Gale force winds are forecast for Thursday afternoon and evening ahead of and near the cold front. The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Watch for Thursday. Contractors should be prepared to shut down operations quickly Thursday afternoon.

Windy conditions are expected Friday behind the cold front…not as strong as Thursday, though some blowing dust is still possible. Much cooler temperatures, a more stable air mass, and possibly cloud cover may further limit blowing dust potential Friday.

Thursday: Becoming sunny during the afternoon with southwest wind increasing to 35-45 mph with gusts to 65 mph. Highs 78-81.

Thursday night: Damaging west winds 40-50 mph with gusts to 65 mph during the evening decreasing to 20-30 mph after midnight. Lows 34-38.

Friday: Partly cloudy and colder. Northwest wind 30-35 mph with gusts to 45 mph. Highs 48-54.