As of Wednesday early evening, the peak gust has been only 30 mph at the airport. Yet, the dust has caused a haze over the Borderland. The winds on Thursday will be double the strength, so you can imagine how bad the dust will be. I want to personally caution everyone with respiratory problems or extreme allergies from making this year’s pilgrimage up Mt. Cristo Rey because the winds on Good Friday could easily peak at 65 to 70 mph. Here’s your exclusive 9-Hour Forecast for Thursday:
TONIGHT: The skies will be clear with a slight dusty haze during the late afternoon and evening. The SW winds will range from 15-45 mph with the strongest gusts on the east slopes of the mountains. The low will be a warm 68.
FORECAST: KTSM has issued a Weather Authority Alert due to powerful winds and blowing dust for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Thursday will be a terrible weather day with strong winds and blowing dust. A Wind Advisory is posted from noon until 8 PM. A Blowing Dust Advisory is posted from 11 AM to 8 PM. With a high of 90, the west winds will gust near 60 mph, producing a near brown-out of dust in the afternoon. Good Friday will be even worse as winds get stronger. The SW-West winds will gust near 70 mph, producing a brown-out of dust and reduced visibility. Consider this carefully if considering making the pilgrimage up Mt. Cristo Rey. Friday’s high: 83. Saturday will be partly cloudy with gusty winds near 55 mph. A cold front blows through dropping the high to 74. Expect a dusty haze due to the strong winds. The good news is that Easter Sunday will be sunny and beautiful with a high of 78. The NW winds will range from 5-15 mph. Monday will be sunny with warmer breezes and a high of 85.
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