Albuquerque, NM – Blowing dust and gusty winds are expected to disrupt travel and visibility across central and western New Mexico Tuesday afternoon, with conditions intensifying through sunset.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, dry thunderstorms—producing less than 0.1 inches of rain—will move across areas including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Socorro, and Grants by late afternoon on March 26. These virga-type showers are forecast to produce strong, erratic wind gusts without significant rainfall, increasing the risk of blowing dust and wildfires.
The Fire Weather Outlook identifies a large swath of the state, including the Rio Grande Valley and surrounding high desert regions, as under “elevated” to “critical” fire conditions. Gusty outflow winds may also impact visibility on highways like I-25 and I-40, particularly near Socorro, Clines Corners, and Ruidoso.
Chance of precipitation remains low—between 15% and 35% in most locations—with the highest probability near Roswell (52%). Despite this, dry lightning strikes may spark fires across already dry terrain.
Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning and secure loose outdoor items. Drivers should exercise caution due to sudden drops in visibility and crosswinds during the evening commute.
