Albuquerque, New Mexico – Secure loose outdoor items and use caution on north-south roadways before the Thursday evening commute as wind gusts push past 40 mph across central New Mexico. Crosswinds along Interstate 25 and Interstate 40 could make travel difficult for high-profile vehicles through 7 p.m. Thursday, with another round of gusty conditions developing Friday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, west to southwest winds will peak Thursday afternoon with gusts between 35 and 41 mph across the Rio Grande Valley, including Bernalillo, Sandoval and Valencia counties. Humidity levels will drop to between 8 and 15 percent, sharply increasing the risk of rapid fire spread, especially along and east of the I-25 corridor.
Drivers along I-40 near Tijeras Canyon and east toward Moriarty may encounter sudden crosswinds exceeding 35 mph. Gusts near Santa Fe, Clines Corners and Las Vegas could approach 40 mph, creating hazardous conditions for semitrucks and RVs. On Friday, the strongest winds shift into eastern New Mexico, affecting travel near Tucumcari, Clovis and Roswell, where gusts may again top 35 mph along I-40 and U.S. 285.
Residents should avoid parking on dry grass, delay outdoor burning and properly discard cigarettes. Fire crews remain on alert as dry vegetation and above-normal temperatures combine with strong winds to elevate wildfire potential.
Winds gradually ease after sunset each evening, but elevated fire danger will persist through Friday night. Additional advisories remain possible if humidity drops further or gusts strengthen beyond current projections.
