New Mexico
Strong winds, fire weather watch issued for El Paso, Southern New Mexico
El Paso Museum of Art celebrates reopening with art, dance
Crowds celebrate as the El Paso Museum of Art reopens after $3.5M in upgrades, featuring dance, vendors and a Frida Kahlo exhibit on Feb. 14, 2026.
Windy weather is heading to the El Paso region.
Strong winds will gradually arrive in El Paso on Tuesday, Feb. 17, with gusts of up to 44 miles per hour by noon, according to the National Weather Service. El Paso, as well as much of Southern New Mexico, will be under a fire weather watch as winds combine with very dry air, creating dangerous conditions.
Outdoor burning is discouraged and any fires that do start will spread rapidly, the National Weather Service warned.
Parts of New Mexico are also under a high wind warning, including Cloudcroft and Ruidoso, which are expected to see gusts of up to 70 miles per hour.
Winds are expected to taper down by Thursday, Feb. 19, but could make a comeback on Friday, Feb. 20, possibly triggering another fire weather watch, the National Weather Service said.
What are El Paso’s windiest months?
March, April and May are typically the windiest months of the year. This also coincides with our driest months, which leads to all the dust in El Paso, according to the National Weather Service. As the monsoon season begins in June, winds die down.
Tips for driving in the wind
Here are some tips for driving in windy weather, courtesy of the National Weather Service.
- Maintain a safe distance from high profile vehicles
- Keep a firm grip on the wheel with both hands
- Keep a lookout for falling debris, fallen power lines and trees
- Use caution on overpasses and bridges
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
Josh’s Saturday Night Forecast
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Calmer weather has moved back into the state this afternoon. Temperatures are slightly warmer across northwestern New Mexico, while southeastern areas are cooler thanks to the backdoor cold fronts that moved in on Friday. Breezier winds will return Sunday and will help kick off a warming trend across the state, along with an elevated fire threat in eastern New Mexico.
Warmer weather will continue building in across the state throughout the upcoming week. A few isolated rain chances will return Monday in parts of New Mexico, but some of that rain may evaporate before reaching the ground.
Good morning!
Heading out the door this morning? Bundle up! Cold air has settled into the Land of Enchantment after two cold fronts passed through New Mexico within the last 24 hours. Temperatures have fallen to the teens, 20s and 30s throughout northern New Mexico. The metro area is just as cold with Moriarty falling to the teens and several other cities bottoming out near the freezing point. The National Weather Service (NWS) has Freeze Warnings in place until 9 a.m. for several locations in northern and central New Mexico. However, one of the aforementioned cold fronts is still moving through eastern New Mexico this morning. That back door cold front has brought 30-45 mph wind gusts, or more, in southeastern New Mexico. The front will push west further west this morning bringing breezy winds to far south and southwestern New Mexico this afternoon. Otherwise, much calmer weather will be on tap for the state compared to the majority of this week.
The colder air this morning will bring cooler and seasonable weather to the Land of Enchantment later on Saturday. Afternoon highs will range from the high 50s, in sections of the northern mountains, to the 70s in southern New Mexico. Throughout the weekend into early next week a warming trend is expected as a ridge of high pressure builds on Sunday, which is forecasted to last through at least Tuesday. By next Tuesday, high temperatures will be 5 to 15 degrees above normal, and even warmer for some locations by next Wednesday with breezy conditions returning to the state.
Moisture does stream back into the state early next week across New Mexico. Tomorrow’s forecast is expected to have cloud coverage increase with warmer weather. On Monday sufficient moisture in the mid to upper levels of the atmosphere will bring the chance for showers; however, moisture levels toward the surface will be lower. That will also bring the chance for dry showers and thunderstorms throughout the state. Have a great weekend and stay warm this morning!
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A New Mexico man has taken a plea deal for his role in the death of a three-year-old girl more than two years ago. Police said that Kerri Santos brought her toddler to University of New Mexico Hospital, claiming that she fell and hurt herself. Medical staff determined the child was already dead when she arrived, and noticed signs of abuse, including evidence that she had been tied up. Police said that Santos and three others were staying at James Welch’s home when the abuse took place.
On Friday, Welch pleaded no contest to three counts of child abuse and tampering with evidence. He faces up to five years behind bars.
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