Albuquerque, N.M. – Blowing dust and extreme fire danger will dominate New Mexico’s weekend as critical weather conditions build Saturday and continue through Sunday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, a Red Flag Warning is in effect until 7 p.m. MDT Friday, followed by a Fire Weather Watch from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and again 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. These warnings cover the Middle Rio Grande Valley, including the I-25 and I-40 corridors, where southerly winds could gust up to 50 mph.
On Saturday, Albuquerque will see a high near 86°F with widespread blowing dust developing after noon. Winds will shift from the south at 15 to 20 mph, increasing throughout the afternoon. Sunday brings more aggressive gusts with highs near 85°F, blowing dust, and low humidity levels near 8% — ideal conditions for rapid fire spread.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, limit unnecessary travel, and remain alert for changing visibility conditions on roadways like I-40 and I-25.
This system will begin to ease by Monday, which will be sunny with a high of 75°F, giving central New Mexico a much-needed breather. However, Tuesday night looks partly cloudy with temps dipping to 45°F, though no frost is currently expected.
🌤️ Extended Five-Day Forecast:
- Saturday: High 86°F – Sunny, patchy blowing dust, windy
- Sunday: High 85°F – Patchy blowing dust, gusts up to 50 mph
- Monday: High 75°F – Sunny and calm
- Tuesday: High 77°F – Sunny, breezy
- Wednesday: High 80°F – Mostly sunny, continued warm spring pattern
