Alert archive / New Mexico / High Wind Warnings in 2025

High Wind Warning 5, NWS Albuquerque, NM

February 13, 2025Colfax County, Lincoln County, Union County, New Mexico

NWS Albuquerque, NM issued this high wind warning at Feb 13, 2025, 3:06 PM MST for Colfax County, Lincoln County, Union County, New Mexico. It took effect at Feb 13, 2025, 11:00 PM MST. It was in force for 18 hr. 7 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Feb 13, 2025, 3:06 PM MST (22:06 UTC)
In effect from
Feb 13, 2025, 11:00 PM MST
Expired
Feb 14, 2025, 5:00 PM MST
In force
18 hr
Issued by
NWS Albuquerque, NM

Counties Colfax County, NM, Lincoln County, NM, Union County, NM

The radar

The Cannon AFB radar (KFDX), 136 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 22:11 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Feb 14, 11:09 AM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 59Raton Crews Airport, NMASOS station KRTN Raton Crews Airport.
Feb 14, 12:32 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 60Raton Crews Airport, NMASOS station KRTN Raton Crews Airport.
Feb 14, 12:35 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 595 Ene Clayton, NMMesonet station CLRN5 Clayton LRC.
Feb 14, 12:37 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 581 E Clayton, NMASOS station KCAO Clayton Muni Airpark.
Feb 14, 3:00 PM MSTSNOW 22 Wnw Angel Fire, NMPalo SNOTEL.
Feb 14, 3:00 PM MSTSNOW 25 S Cimarron Canyon Sta, NMTolby SNOTEL.
Feb 14, 3:00 PM MSTSNOW 32 Se Enchanted Forest X, NMRed River Pass SNOTEL.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

Albuquerq/Krtlnd, NM (KABQ), launched 12:00Z, 10.1 hours before the alert went out and 198 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Albuquerq/Krtlnd, NM at 12:00Z on 2025-02-13Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Albuquerq/Krtlnd, NM at 12:00Z on 2025-02-13The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 126 square meters per square second.1939587897117Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
2061 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
68 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
126 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
123 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

196 
WWUS75 KABQ 132206
NPWABQ

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
306 PM MST Thu Feb 13 2025

NMZ227-140630-
/O.NEW.KABQ.HW.W.0005.250214T0600Z-250214T2100Z/
Johnson and Bartlett Mesas Including Raton Pass-
306 PM MST Thu Feb 13 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 2 PM MST 
FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...Johnson and Bartlett Mesas Including Raton Pass.

* WHEN...From 11 PM this evening to 2 PM MST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. 
  Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially 
  for high profile vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

NMZ226-140630-
/O.NEW.KABQ.HW.W.0005.250214T1700Z-250215T0000Z/
South Central Mountains-
306 PM MST Thu Feb 13 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM MST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...South Central Mountains.

* WHEN...From 10 AM to 5 PM MST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. 
  Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially 
  for high profile vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

NMZ230-140630-
/O.NEW.KABQ.WI.Y.0011.250214T1500Z-250215T0000Z/
Union County-
306 PM MST Thu Feb 13 2025

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM MST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...Union County.

* WHEN...From 8 AM to 5 PM MST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree 
  limbs may be blown down. Expect strong crosswinds on area roadways.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

NMZ223>225-228-229-239-240-140630-
/O.NEW.KABQ.WI.Y.0011.250214T1700Z-250215T0000Z/
Central Highlands-South Central Highlands-Upper Tularosa Valley-
Far Northeast Highlands-Northeast Highlands-Eastern Lincoln
County-Southwest Chaves County-
306 PM MST Thu Feb 13 2025

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM MST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...Central Highlands, Eastern Lincoln County, South Central 
  Highlands, Upper Tularosa Valley, Far Northeast Highlands, 
  Northeast Highlands, and Southwest Chaves County.

* WHEN...From 10 AM to 5 PM MST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree 
  limbs may be blown down. Expect strong crosswinds on area roadways.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

MA
5 follow-up statements
966 
WWUS75 KABQ 140545
NPWABQ

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
1045 PM MST Thu Feb 13 2025

NMZ227-141130-
/O.CON.KABQ.HW.W.0005.250214T0600Z-250214T2100Z/
Johnson and Bartlett Mesas Including Raton Pass-
1045 PM MST Thu Feb 13 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 PM MST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...Johnson and Bartlett Mesas Including Raton Pass.

* WHEN...Until 2 PM MST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. 
  Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially 
  for high profile vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

NMZ226-141130-
/O.CON.KABQ.HW.W.0005.250214T1700Z-250215T0000Z/
South Central Mountains-
1045 PM MST Thu Feb 13 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM MST 
FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...South Central Mountains.

* WHEN...From 10 AM to 5 PM MST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. 
  Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially 
  for high profile vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

NMZ230-141130-
/O.CON.KABQ.WI.Y.0011.250214T1500Z-250215T0000Z/
Union County-
1045 PM MST Thu Feb 13 2025

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM MST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...Union County.

* WHEN...From 8 AM to 5 PM MST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree 
  limbs may be blown down. Expect strong crosswinds on area roadways.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

NMZ223>225-228-229-239-240-141130-
/O.CON.KABQ.WI.Y.0011.250214T1700Z-250215T0000Z/
Central Highlands-South Central Highlands-Upper Tularosa Valley-
Far Northeast Highlands-Northeast Highlands-Eastern Lincoln
County-Southwest Chaves County-
1045 PM MST Thu Feb 13 2025

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM MST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...Central Highlands, Eastern Lincoln County, South Central 
  Highlands, Upper Tularosa Valley, Far Northeast Highlands, 
  Northeast Highlands, and Southwest Chaves County.

* WHEN...From 10 AM to 5 PM MST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree 
  limbs may be blown down. Expect strong crosswinds on area roadways.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

11
052 
WWUS75 KABQ 141008
NPWABQ

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
308 AM MST Fri Feb 14 2025

NMZ227-141900-
/O.CON.KABQ.HW.W.0005.000000T0000Z-250214T2100Z/
Johnson and Bartlett Mesas Including Raton Pass-
308 AM MST Fri Feb 14 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 PM MST THIS 
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...Johnson and Bartlett Mesas Including Raton Pass.

* WHEN...Until 2 PM MST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. 
  Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially 
  for high profile vehicles along Interstate 25.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

NMZ226-141900-
/O.CON.KABQ.HW.W.0005.250214T1700Z-250215T0000Z/
South Central Mountains-
308 AM MST Fri Feb 14 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 5 
PM MST THIS AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...South Central Mountains.

* WHEN...From 10 AM this morning to 5 PM MST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. 
  Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially 
  for high profile vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

NMZ230-141900-
/O.CON.KABQ.WI.Y.0011.250214T1500Z-250215T0000Z/
Union County-
308 AM MST Fri Feb 14 2025

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING TO 5 PM 
MST THIS AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...Union County.

* WHEN...From 8 AM this morning to 5 PM MST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree 
  limbs may be blown down. Expect strong crosswinds on area 
  roadways, including U.S. Highways 64 and 87.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

NMZ223>225-228-229-239-240-141900-
/O.CON.KABQ.WI.Y.0011.250214T1700Z-250215T0000Z/
Central Highlands-South Central Highlands-Upper Tularosa Valley-
Far Northeast Highlands-Northeast Highlands-Eastern Lincoln
County-Southwest Chaves County-
308 AM MST Fri Feb 14 2025

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 5 PM 
MST THIS AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...Central Highlands, Eastern Lincoln County, South Central 
  Highlands, Upper Tularosa Valley, Far Northeast Highlands, 
  Northeast Highlands, and Southwest Chaves County.

* WHEN...From 10 AM this morning to 5 PM MST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree 
  limbs may be blown down. Expect strong crosswinds on area 
  roadways, including Interstate 25.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

42/46
856 
WWUS75 KABQ 141811
NPWABQ

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
1111 AM MST Fri Feb 14 2025

NMZ226-150000-
/O.CON.KABQ.HW.W.0005.000000T0000Z-250215T0000Z/
South Central Mountains-
1111 AM MST Fri Feb 14 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS 
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.

* WHERE...South Central Mountains.

* WHEN...Until 5 PM MST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. 
  Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially 
  for high profile vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

NMZ227-142100-
/O.CON.KABQ.HW.W.0005.000000T0000Z-250214T2100Z/
Johnson and Bartlett Mesas Including Raton Pass-
1111 AM MST Fri Feb 14 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 PM MST THIS 
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

* WHERE...Johnson and Bartlett Mesas Including Raton Pass.

* WHEN...Until 2 PM MST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. 
  Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially 
  for high profile vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

NMZ223>225-228-229-239-240-150000-
/O.CON.KABQ.WI.Y.0011.000000T0000Z-250215T0000Z/
Central Highlands-South Central Highlands-Upper Tularosa Valley-
Far Northeast Highlands-Northeast Highlands-Eastern Lincoln
County-Southwest Chaves County-
1111 AM MST Fri Feb 14 2025

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

* WHERE...Central Highlands, Eastern Lincoln County, South Central 
  Highlands, Upper Tularosa Valley, Far Northeast Highlands, 
  Northeast Highlands, and Southwest Chaves County.

* WHEN...Until 5 PM MST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree 
  limbs may be blown down. Expect strong crosswinds on area roadways.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

NMZ230-150000-
/O.CON.KABQ.WI.Y.0011.000000T0000Z-250215T0000Z/
Union County-
1111 AM MST Fri Feb 14 2025

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

* WHERE...Union County.

* WHEN...Until 5 PM MST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree 
  limbs may be blown down. Expect strong crosswinds on area roadways.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

Overpeck
680 
WWUS75 KABQ 142108
NPWABQ

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
208 PM MST Fri Feb 14 2025

NMZ227-150000-
/O.EXP.KABQ.HW.W.0005.000000T0000Z-250214T2100Z/
/O.EXA.KABQ.WI.Y.0011.000000T0000Z-250215T0000Z/
Johnson and Bartlett Mesas Including Raton Pass-
208 PM MST Fri Feb 14 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING HAS EXPIRED...
...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...Johnson and Bartlett Mesas Including Raton Pass.

* WHEN...Until 5 PM MST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree 
  limbs may be blown down. Expect strong crosswinds on area 
  roadways, including Interstate 25.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

NMZ226-150000-
/O.CON.KABQ.HW.W.0005.000000T0000Z-250215T0000Z/
South Central Mountains-
208 PM MST Fri Feb 14 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS 
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...South Central Mountains.

* WHEN...Until 5 PM MST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. 
  Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially 
  for high profile vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

NMZ223>225-228-229-239-240-150000-
/O.CON.KABQ.WI.Y.0011.000000T0000Z-250215T0000Z/
Central Highlands-South Central Highlands-Upper Tularosa Valley-
Far Northeast Highlands-Northeast Highlands-Eastern Lincoln
County-Southwest Chaves County-
208 PM MST Fri Feb 14 2025

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...Central Highlands, Eastern Lincoln County, South Central 
  Highlands, Upper Tularosa Valley, Far Northeast Highlands, 
  Northeast Highlands, and Southwest Chaves County.

* WHEN...Until 5 PM MST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree 
  limbs may be blown down. Expect strong crosswinds on area 
  roadways, including Interstate 25.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

NMZ230-150000-
/O.CON.KABQ.WI.Y.0011.000000T0000Z-250215T0000Z/
Union County-
208 PM MST Fri Feb 14 2025

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...Union County.

* WHEN...Until 5 PM MST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree 
  limbs may be blown down. Expect strong crosswinds on area 
  roadways, including U.S. Highways 64 and 87.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

77
881 
WWUS75 KABQ 142351
NPWABQ

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
451 PM MST Fri Feb 14 2025

NMZ226-150100-
/O.EXP.KABQ.HW.W.0005.000000T0000Z-250215T0000Z/
South Central Mountains-
451 PM MST Fri Feb 14 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 5 PM MST THIS AFTERNOON...

Although a few gusts may persist, winds will continue to decrease 
through the evening, therefore the High Wind Warning will be allowed 
to expire.

$$

NMZ223>225-227>230-239-240-150100-
/O.EXP.KABQ.WI.Y.0011.000000T0000Z-250215T0000Z/
Central Highlands-South Central Highlands-Upper Tularosa Valley-
Johnson and Bartlett Mesas Including Raton Pass-Far Northeast
Highlands-Northeast Highlands-Union County-Eastern Lincoln County-
Southwest Chaves County-
451 PM MST Fri Feb 14 2025

...WIND ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 5 PM MST THIS AFTERNOON...

Winds will continue to decrease through the evening, therefore the 
Wind Advisory will be allowed to expire.

$$

77

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this high wind warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Albuquerque, NM wrote its last area forecast discussion before this high wind warning went out at Feb 13, 11:00 AM MST, 4 hours 6 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Updated at 1100 AM MST Thu Feb 13 2025
  • A potent winter storm will impact the region tonight through Saturday. Travel impacts from heavy snow and blowing snow will be most favored across the northern high terrain while lower elevations will remain mostly rain, transitioning to a mix of rain and snow Friday night.
  • Windy conditions will impact the area on Friday, particularly within the high terrain, creating hazardous crosswinds as well as reduced visibility in areas of blowing snow.
  • There is increasing model agreement for a quick-moving storm that will bring additional light to moderate snowfall to the northern mountains and portions of northeast New Mexico Monday night through Tuesday.
Area forecast discussion, Feb 13, 11:00 AM MST, 4 hours 6 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion...UPDATED
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
1100 AM MST Thu Feb 13 2025

...New AVIATION...

.KEY MESSAGES...
Updated at 1100 AM MST Thu Feb 13 2025

- A potent winter storm will impact the region tonight through
  Saturday. Travel impacts from heavy snow and blowing snow will
  be most favored across the northern high terrain while lower
  elevations will remain mostly rain, transitioning to a mix of
  rain and snow Friday night.

- Windy conditions will impact the area on Friday, particularly
  within the high terrain, creating hazardous crosswinds as well
  as reduced visibility in areas of blowing snow.

- There is increasing model agreement for a quick-moving storm
  that will bring additional light to moderate snowfall to the
  northern mountains and portions of northeast New Mexico Monday
  night through Tuesday.

&&

.SYNOPSIS...
Issued at 203 AM MST Thu Feb 13 2025

Bitterly cold and dangerous wind chills will be common this morning
across northeast New Mexico. Please take the necessary precautions
to reduce the risk for frostbite and hypothermia. A potent storm is
expected to bring a considerable increase in moisture to the Land of
Enchantment tonight through Friday night. Significant accumulations
of snow can be expected across the western and northern high terrain
with primarily rain transitioning to a mix of rain and snow for the
lower elevations. Stronger winds will accompany this storm system,
especially on Friday. This will create hazardous crosswinds as well
as reduced visibility in blowing snow. Notably warmer readings are
forecast on Monday before a fast-moving system brings another surge
of colder temperatures and winter weather Monday night and Tuesday.
At this time, winter impacts to travel appear to favor the northern
mountains and northeast plains.

&&

.SHORT TERM...
(Today through Friday)
Issued at 203 AM MST Thu Feb 13 2025

Widespread low clouds and patchy fog over eastern NM early this
morning will clear from west to east thru late morning as surface
winds veer around to the south and southwest. Confidence is high on
clearing by 1pm given the 07Z NBM probabilities (probs) for cigs
<3kft fall below 20% by 11am. An extremely dry airmass currently
over central and western NM will also mix out the low level
moisture over eastern NM as 700-500mb layer winds back from west
to southwest and surface low pressure deepens along the Front
Range. Max temps today will trend 15 to 25F warmer over northeast
NM while central and western areas warm about 5 to 10F warmer than
yesterday. High clouds will be increasing from west to east by
late day as a very moist storm system approaches from the west.

Strong moisture advection will arrive this evening from west to east
while NAEFS precipitable water values increase from near -2 standard
deviations (stdev) below climo to near +2 stdev above climo by late
tonight. Ridge top winds will increase tonight while 700-500mb layer
winds increase to between 30 and 40kt ahead of a 100kt upper level
speed max. Mid level warm advection will help to keep snow levels
above 8,000ft thru tonight with perhaps a brief period of rain/snow
mix this evening down to 7,000ft before wet bulb zero heights rise.
The snow characteristic will be on the wetter side which will help
limit the potential for blowing snow. Travel conditions may take
longer to deteriorate in the higher terrain given from the recent
warmth. However, snow rates in excess of 2"/hr at times around
Chama may be enough to quickly deteriorate travel overnight.

Large-scale ascent will improve over the region Friday as the base
of an upper level trough axis moves into the Four Corners and the
speed max aloft strengthens to around 125kt over central NM. Flow
aloft will also veer from southwest to west with cold air advection
allowing snow levels to fall from west to east thru late afternoon.
The heavier snow accums will begin to focus on west-facing slopes
and ridges, which will enhance rates in the Sangre de Cristo Mts
thru late Friday. Snow type will transition more to a drier, fluffy
snow with increased snow-water ratios. The 07Z NBM and 00Z HREF 25th
percentile snow accums are >10" above 8,000ft and >20" above 9,500ft
in the San Juan/Tusas Mts by Friday evening. Even the low resolution
LREF 25th percentile has >12" in the San Juan/Tusas Mts. Given the
higher 50th percentile amounts are the expected amount, confidence
is high enough to upgrade the Winter Storm Watches to warnings. The
NBM probability for >10" also exceeds 75% for the northern mts which
is above warning criteria. Elsewhere in the lower elevations, much
needed rainfall amounts in the 0.10-0.25" are expected for the north
and west thru Friday afternoon.

&&

.LONG TERM...
(Friday night through Wednesday)
Issued at 203 AM MST Thu Feb 13 2025

Good model consistency is evident Fri night in the deterministic
and latest cluster analysis as the main trough axis traverses the
CWFA. Meanwhile, a backdoor front will migrate southward through
the ern plains of CO and eventually into northeast NM by 12Z/Sat.
Cold air advection will prevail with 700mb readings dropping into
the -7C to -4C range, north-south respectively. While the coverage
and intensity of snow starts to wane as orographic lift weakens
and deeper moisture departs, additional light/moderate snow will
continue in the northern mtns with snow levels reaching the lower
elevations, especially across northern and western NM. While snow
accumulations along the Interstate 40 and Highway 550 corridors
will be minimal, this may still result in a period of slick road
conditions. Winds aloft will gradually relax and shift southward
towards southern NM for Friday night. With that said, there will
still be a concern for blowing snow, particularly over the higher
elevations.

Lingering energy embedded in northwest flow will keep a risk for
snow showers in the forecast on Sat in the northern mountains and
northeast plains. Below normal temps are expected but it will feel
even colder as brisk northwest winds are favored compliments of a
40-45kt 700mb speed max, generally oriented along a line from the
northwest plateau to the central zones and south central mts.

Northwest flow aloft persists on Sun transitioning to zonal flow
for Mon. This will allow temperatures to recover notably, or 5 to
15 degrees above mid-Feb normals. Another upper level disturbance
in the PacNW will race towards the northern/central Rockies late
Sun through Tue. As this occurs, another arctic front will invade
the ern plains of NM. Residence time of this system should limit
significant snowfall accumulations, which appear to be favored in
the northern mountains and northeast NM. While this is Day 6-7 in
the forecast, there is surprisingly a higher degree of consistency
in the ensemble guidance.

&&

.AVIATION...
(18Z TAFS)
Issued at 1100 AM MST Thu Feb 13 2025

Low clouds and MVFR conditions are currently breaking up across
the east central and southeast plains with some high clouds
streaming across southeast NM this afternoon. Some gusty south to
southwest winds across northeast and east central NM due to a lee
surface trough. A lowering mid level cloud deck will move into
western and central NM this afternoon and evening ahead of a
potent Pacific storm. Rain and mountain snow and associated MVFR
visibilities and ceilings will develop across western and north
central NM late this evening increasing in coverage overnight into
tomorrow morning. Mountain obscurations with IFR to MVFR
conditions will be in full effect come daybreak. Additionally,
south and southwest winds will increase across the mountains and
highlands due to increasing mid and upper level winds ahead of the
system and across the northeast and east central plains due to a
low level jet. Some gusts of 25 to 35 kts possible. The Pacific
front looks to enter western NM in the last few hours of the TAF
period allowing southwest winds to turn westerly and increase
further. Rain will likely quickly change to snow at KGUP right at
the end of the TAF period. Strong south and southwest winds will
move down to lower elevations areawide right at the end of the TAF
period.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 203 AM MST Thu Feb 13 2025

Very dry conditions over the area with locally breezy southwest
winds this afternoon may lead to marginally critical fire weather
for a few hours over the highlands of eastern NM, mainly near Las
Vegas. A weather system entering the region tonight will bring
widespread rain and snow tonight thru Friday night. Snow levels
will remain above 8,000ft tonight then fall to near 6,000ft Friday
night as colder air enters the region. Heavy snow accums are very
likely on southwest-facing slopes and ridges of the northern mts.
Heavier wet snow thru Friday will transition to a drier, fluffy
snow Friday night and Saturday in the high terrain. Snowfall
totals in excess of 10" are expected above 8,000ft with greater
than 20" above 9,500ft. Rainfall amounts in the lower terrain will
favor the 0.10-0.25" range across the north and west. Strong
southwest winds will occur Friday over the high terrain and
northeast NM Friday followed by strong northwest winds areawide
Saturday. Drier air returns Sunday and Monday followed by another
potential storm system for the middle of next week. Marginally
critical fire weather may develop across the high plains between
these two weather systems early next week before a much colder
airmass returns to eastern NM by midweek.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Farmington......................  50  35  45  27 /   5  90 100  80
Dulce...........................  45  26  39  17 /   0 100 100  80
Cuba............................  45  29  43  23 /   0  70  90  90
Gallup..........................  52  30  44  19 /  10  80  90  90
El Morro........................  50  32  43  26 /   0  60  90  90
Grants..........................  54  31  48  21 /   0  50  80  70
Quemado.........................  53  34  48  24 /   5  30  80  70
Magdalena.......................  53  38  54  30 /   0  10  40  50
Datil...........................  52  35  48  27 /   0  10  50  60
Reserve.........................  56  30  50  16 /   5  30  70  80
Glenwood........................  60  38  54  27 /  10  30  70  80
Chama...........................  39  24  34  17 /   0 100 100  80
Los Alamos......................  46  32  42  28 /   0  70  90  60
Pecos...........................  45  30  45  26 /   0  60  80  60
Cerro/Questa....................  40  26  36  21 /   0  70  90  50
Red River.......................  37  26  32  18 /   0  70  90  60
Angel Fire......................  38  26  36  18 /   0  60  80  60
Taos............................  44  25  38  20 /   0  70  80  50
Mora............................  49  27  47  23 /   0  50  70  50
Espanola........................  51  30  49  26 /   0  70  90  40
Santa Fe........................  45  30  45  27 /   0  70  90  70
Santa Fe Airport................  48  32  48  26 /   0  70  80  50
Albuquerque Foothills...........  53  36  54  35 /   0  50  80  60
Albuquerque Heights.............  54  39  56  31 /   0  40  70  50
Albuquerque Valley..............  55  38  58  29 /   0  30  70  40
Albuquerque West Mesa...........  53  38  56  31 /   0  40  70  50
Belen...........................  58  36  62  28 /   0  20  50  50
Bernalillo......................  54  38  55  31 /   0  40  80  50
Bosque Farms....................  56  37  60  28 /   0  20  60  50
Corrales........................  54  38  56  31 /   0  40  70  50
Los Lunas.......................  56  37  60  29 /   0  20  60  50
Placitas........................  52  35  52  33 /   0  50  80  60
Rio Rancho......................  53  38  56  31 /   0  40  70  50
Socorro.........................  60  39  65  32 /   0  10  30  40
Sandia Park/Cedar Crest.........  47  33  46  29 /   0  50  80  70
Tijeras.........................  50  37  49  30 /   0  50  80  60
Edgewood........................  50  33  51  26 /   0  40  70  60
Moriarty/Estancia...............  52  31  55  22 /   0  40  60  50
Clines Corners..................  47  32  51  26 /   0  30  50  50
Mountainair.....................  51  35  54  27 /   0  20  40  50
Gran Quivira....................  50  35  56  27 /   0  10  30  50
Carrizozo.......................  54  38  57  30 /   0   0  10  50
Ruidoso.........................  49  37  52  30 /   0   5  10  50
Capulin.........................  40  26  52  21 /   0   5  10  30
Raton...........................  44  24  55  21 /   0  20  30  30
Springer........................  48  27  57  22 /   0  20  30  20
Las Vegas.......................  48  30  51  25 /   0  30  50  40
Clayton.........................  41  28  60  25 /   0   0   0  20
Roy.............................  43  27  57  25 /   0   5  10  10
Conchas.........................  52  31  65  30 /   0   5  10  10
Santa Rosa......................  51  29  64  33 /   0   5  10  10
Tucumcari.......................  50  31  64  31 /   0   0   5  10
Clovis..........................  46  28  63  35 /   0   0   0   5
Portales........................  47  27  65  35 /   0   0   0   5
Fort Sumner.....................  49  28  64  34 /   0   0   5  10
Roswell.........................  48  30  72  41 /   0   0   0  10
Picacho.........................  51  32  65  34 /   0   0   0  30
Elk.............................  55  34  62  32 /   0   0   0  30

&&

.ABQ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Winter Storm Warning from 8 PM this evening to 5 AM MST Saturday
for NMZ202-203-210-211-213-214.

&&

SHORT TERM...42
LONG TERM....46
AVIATION...71

The office that day

Everything else NWS Albuquerque, NM issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Feb 13, 3:24 AM MSTWinter Storm WarningABQColfax, Los Alamos, McKinley, Mora, Rio Arriba, Sandoval and 4 more50 hr
Feb 13, 3:04 PM MSTWinter Weather AdvisoryABQCatron, Cibola, McKinley, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, San Juan and 2 more38 hr
Feb 13, 3:06 PM MSTWind AdvisoryABQChaves, Colfax, Lincoln, Mora, San Miguel, Santa Fe and 4 more26 hr

Nearby

High Wind Warnings in New Mexico, 2025Every high wind warning in 2025

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.