Winds continue to pick up across New Mexico this afternoon. Increasing the risk for blowing dust storms and fire danger. An upper level trough moved over New Mexico this morning. This trough will be bringing very strong wind gusts to nearly the entire state through the evening. Gusts could reach upwards of 65 mph this afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued several High Wind Warnings for much of the state. These warnings will be in place until 9 p.m. Tuesday April 1st. The strong wind gusts across the state could lead to a variety of weather hazards. The biggest concern today is fire danger. Much of New Mexico, with the exception of northwestern New Mexico, is under critical fire weather. Additionally, these areas are also under a Red Flag Warning. These Red Flag Warnings will be in place until 9 p.m. Tuesday April 1st. These strong winds are also bringing an increased risk for blowing dust. Blowing dust advisories are in place for southern, southwestern, and central New Mexico. These advisories will be in place until 9 p.m. Tuesday April 1st. Regions in eastern and central New Mexico that are not included in the blowing dust advisory are still at risk for blowing dust storms. The winds will marginally decrease in Wednesday as the upper level trough moves away from New Mexico. However, the risk for fire will still be present across southern and southeastern New Mexico. Southwestern New Mexico can still expect impacts in the form of dust storms. Later this week another spring storm will move into the state. This storm will bring light winds, and nearly widespread rain and snow chances. Light rain and mountain snow will move into the north and northwest on Thursday. The precipitation will push further to the east and south Friday and Saturday. The system will be mostly clear by Sunday. ...read more read less