The ridge of high pressure that has brought us these warmer temperatures has brought with it windier weather this afternoon, with many of us seeing some of the warmest weather this year. Westerly winds may gust much more on Monday and Tuesday.
Red Flag Warnings have been issued for sections of eastern New Mexico on Sunday and Monday due to increased winds, low humidity, and an unstable climate. High wind warnings and a winter storm warning have also been issued for the upcoming workweek.
A storm system is expected to hit New Mexico on Tuesday. Unfortunately, newer forecast models show that this storm will be drier and windier. We will still see snow in the northern highlands and isolated rain showers in the western portion of the state, although in smaller amounts. Winds will be the main story of this storm, with a possibly large wind event on Tuesday afternoon. Winds might gust as high as 45 to 70 mph over the state, bringing blowing dust and a high fire risk once again. Winds will gradually quiet down Tuesday night, as cooler air moves in behind a cold front.
Quieter weather returns Wednesday, with another warming trend continuing through the end of next week.