Albuquerque, NM – Strong winds and a cold front moving into New Mexico are expected to bring hazardous fire conditions and snowfall across parts of the state late Friday through Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph will impact central and eastern regions Friday, particularly near Ruidoso, Clovis, and Roswell. Blowing dust may reduce visibility, and high-profile vehicles could face dangerous crosswinds. A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 9 p.m. Thursday, with a renewed risk for rapid fire spread again Friday afternoon.
Rain and snow are forecast to follow the wind event. Wetting precipitation amounts between 0.10 and 0.75 inches are expected, mostly in western and northern areas. Northern mountain communities, including Red River, Taos, and Chama, could receive 4 to 10 inches of snow by late Saturday, with isolated areas topping 12 inches.
Residents should avoid open flames, keep vehicles off dry grass, and discard cigarettes properly. Travel through mountainous terrain could be difficult due to snow and poor visibility.
Temperatures are expected to fall significantly Friday night, with a wetter and colder pattern continuing through the weekend. Updates are available at weather.gov/abq.
