NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Strong wind gusts are picking up across the state leading to a high fire risk in eastern New Mexico. At the same time, our next winter storm is bringing snow and rainfall to western New Mexico.
The strong wind gusts have returned this afternoon. Gusts upwards of 65 mph are possible this afternoon. Gusts have already passes the 40 mph hour mark this afternoon in the southwest. Due to these strong winds the National Weather Service has issued several Wind Advisories and High Wind Warnings across the state. These alerts will be in place until 7 p.m. Thursday March 6th.
Forecast Continues Below
The strong winds are the result of fast southwesterly flow at the surface. This southwesterly flow is pulling warm, dry air into parts of southeastern and eastern New Mexico. When you combine warm dry air with strong winds… you get a recipe for critical fire weather. There is a Red Flag Warning in place for most of southern, eastern, and central New Mexico. This Warning will expire at 7 p.m. Thursday March 6th.
Our next storm system is hovering over the Great Basin this afternoon. Currently this low pressure is bringing isolated rain and snow showers to parts of northern and western New Mexico this afternoon.
The low pressure will move over New Mexico by Friday. The movement and new center of the low will bring much more widespread precipitation to New Mexico on Friday. Snow and rainfall is expected to be nearly statewide. The storm will move out on Saturday. A few lingering snow and rain showers are possible in northeastern New Mexico Saturday morning.
By Sunday afternoon, a high pressure system will move over New Mexico. This new system will be bringing rapidly warming temperatures, clear skies, and calmer conditions. This high pressure system will stick around New Mexico through the beginning of next week. After, another potential low pressure could move into the state bringing more chances for wintry precipitation.