Forecast confidence is increasing that strong to potentially damaging winds will impact areas along and east of the central mountain chain Tuesday. Peak wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph are expected for much of eastern NM. Areas of blowing dust may reduce visibility below one-quarter mile at times.
Strong winds will continue into Wednesday and Thursday, especially over eastern NM. Blowing dust is possible across eastern NM while blowing snow is possible across northern and western NM.
A series of disturbances will bring periods of snow and blowing snow to the higher terrain of northern and western NM Tuesday through Thursday. A colder system on Friday may bring more widespread snow to to the region Friday. Heaviest snow accumulations are expected along the west-facing slopes of the northern mountains. Strong winds will also result in blowing snow and significant visibility reductions in the high terrain. Potential for hazardous travel on high mountain passes.
A potent Pacific cold front will surge through NM Tuesday with an intense burst of snow, strong winds, and blowing snow. Snowfall amounts of 2 to 5" are expected in around 12 hours along west-facing slopes of the northern mountains. Snow with wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph may lead to whiteout conditions at times in the northern mountains. Folks traveling along I-40 across western NM Tuesday morning may encounter rapidly deteriorating weather conditions.
Strong winds and low humidity will combine with dry vegetation to produce critical fire weather conditions over eastern NM this week. The middle and lower Rio Grande Valley may be at risk as well on Wednesday.
Several days of dry and windy conditions will result in favorable conditions for rapid fire spread across eastern and parts of central NM for the middle of this upcoming week. Please follow these fire safety tips to prevent a spark and cause an uncontrollable wildfire.
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