El Paso wakes up under clear skies and mild temperatures on Tuesday, February 17, with readings in the low 60s and a calm start that will not last long. A gusty west wind is expected to charge across the city later today, with a Wind Advisory in effect from 8 AM to 8 PM MST and areas of blowing dust possible through the midday and afternoon hours.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
West winds will strengthen through late morning and hit their stride from midday into the afternoon, with sustained speeds generally in the 12 to 31 mph range and frequent gusts reaching 40 to 50 mph. Some spots could get clipped by even stronger bursts, with gusts up to 60 mph mentioned in the advisory for Tuesday, February 17, from 8 AM to 8 PM MST, according to the National Weather Service.
Blowing Dust And Travel Impacts
From about 11 AM to 5 PM, blowing dust is likely to kick up across vulnerable playas and lowland corridors, and visibility on highways and rural roads could drop suddenly. Drivers in high-profile vehicles should be particularly cautious, and residents are urged to secure or bring inside patio furniture and any loose outdoor items before they start flying. For a look at how a similar setup has snarled local travel before, check out the earlier wind and dust advisory coverage, as per Hoodline.
Fire Weather Watch Wednesday
On Wednesday, February 18, another round of dry, gusty winds will move in and raise critical fire-weather concerns across parts of southern New Mexico and far West Texas. A Fire Weather Watch is in place for portions of the region, and officials urge people to avoid outdoor burning, hold off on pile burns, and follow the direction of local fire agencies if conditions start to worsen.
