El Paso woke up Friday, February 20, to mostly clear skies and mild temperatures, but the calm will not last. West winds are expected to crank up by midmorning, with highs near 66°F and the strongest gusts and patchy blowing dust most likely between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Visibility on some roads could briefly drop in the early afternoon.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
West winds will ramp up by late morning and peak in the early afternoon, with sustained speeds generally in the 13 to 26 mph range and gusts up to 37 mph. Patchy blowing dust is expected across lowland and playa areas, especially near Deming, Lordsburg and White Sands, and could cut visibility on desert highways, according to the National Weather Service El Paso.
Travel And Health Impacts
The New Mexico Department of Transportation has issued a road advisory for I-10 between Deming and Las Cruces, and drivers should be ready for stretches of limited visibility in dust-prone areas and use extra caution, per KVIA. If you encounter a dust storm while driving, pull completely off the roadway, turn off your lights, set the parking brake and stay in the vehicle until the dust passes.
Residents with asthma or other lung conditions should limit outdoor activity during the peak wind period and keep necessary medications close at hand. The combination of wind and dust is not just annoying, it can be a real trigger for breathing problems.
Weekend Outlook
Winds are forecast to ease Saturday and Sunday, with highs slipping back into the low 60s and lighter, more seasonal breezes returning. A warm and dry pattern is expected early next week, with temperatures climbing into the upper 70s and low 80s by Tuesday and Wednesday.
What To Do
Before the winds kick up, secure lightweight outdoor items such as trash cans, patio furniture and decorations so they do not become airborne. Avoid open burning while winds are strong, as fire weather concerns are elevated in some mountain and playa areas with humidity dropping this afternoon…