LAS CRUCES - What a difference two weeks can make.

The frigid temperatures across Las Cruces and Dona Ana County that kept just about everybody inside for two weeks have changed to days this week where temperatures are expected to range from the lower 60s to mid-70s, almost giving a feeling that spring is here.

But the warmer weather will come with a price. A fire weather watch will be in effect for southwest New Mexico and far west Texas on Wednesday afternoon. Sustained winds of 20 mph or more and expected, and gusts could exceed 35 mph.

According to the National Weather Service in Santa Teresa, an upper level trough is approaching from the West and low pressure developing at the surface across eastern New Mexico will cause strong southwest winds Wednesday afternoon. Humidity will be in the single digits to mid-teens, and the combination of low humidity and strong winds means fire danger ratings of high or greater are anticipated.

A fire weather watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast, and red flag warnings could be issued by the NWS.

Meteorologists said Las Cruces and southern New Mexico will see above average temperatures this week, and continuing into the weekend. The forecast now calls for overnight temperatures to be above freezing through Saturday.

The "yucky" days should be Wednesday and Thursday, when wind will be the key word. While gusts on Wednesday could exceed 35 mph, it could be even worse Thursday when gusts could reach 49

Advertisement
mph or higher.

A dry southwest flow is establishing itself across the Southwest and that should keep temperatures well above normal. Today's forecast high, of 75, will be a dozen degrees above normal, and Wednesday's anticipated high, of 77, could run almost 15 degrees above normal.

Those temperatures compare to the teens that were reached two weeks ago. But as the temperatures warm the chances of winds also increase.

Any chances of rain this week are slim, with only a 10 percent chance for Saturday night and Sunday.

This week's forecast

• Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. North-to-northwest wind at 11 mph becoming west-southwest. Partly cloudy tonight with a low around 37.

• Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 77. Breezy to windy, with a light wind becoming southwest between 21 and 24 mph. Winds could gust as high as 33 mph. Partly cloudy Wednesday night with a low around 46.

• Thursday: Mostly sunny, but windy, with a high near 72. Winds should be from the west-southwest, 10 to 13 mph, increasing to between 33 and 36 mph. Winds could gust as high as 49 mph. Partly cloudy Thursday night with a low around 41.

• Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. South-to-southwest wind between 5 and 7 mph. The overnight low should be around 38.

• Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. A 10 percent chance of rain Saturday night, with a low around 44.

• Sunday: A 10 percent chance of showers. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 69.

Source: National Weather Service