Hazardous winds heading for Rio Rancho area

RIO RANCHO — The Albuquerque National Weather Service has issued two hazardous weather alerts for strong winds and later a fire weather watch this week.

From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 17, west winds of 30-40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph are expected in central, north-central and west-central New Mexico. 

"Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs may be blown down. Expect strong crosswinds on area roadways," the alert reads.

It added that patchy blowing dust may develop due to the strong winds and dry antecedent conditions. Visibility may be reduced to less than three miles in localized areas. 

"Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Use extra caution," it reads.

The increased winds have also prompted a fire weather watch from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday.

"Increasing southwest winds today combined with relative humidity values in the low teens will continue to result in critical fire weather conditions through this afternoon across the Northeast Highlands," the advisory states.

Additionally, another day of strong to potentially damaging winds are expected on Wednesday, and humidity values will be much lower than on Tuesday.

"Any fires that are started on Tuesday may continue to burn through Wednesday," it adds.

Forecast

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. South wind 10-15 mph.

Tuesday

Patchy blowing dust after 11 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 56. Windy, with a south wind 20-25 mph becoming west 30-35 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph.

Tuesday night

Mostly clear, with a low around 27. West wind 15-20 mph becoming south 5-10 mph after midnight.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 58. Windy, with a southwest wind 10-20 mph, increasing to 20-30 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.

Wednesday night

A chance of rain showers before 11 p.m., then a chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Windy. Chance of precipitation is 40%.