A storm system developing west of New Mexico on March 7, 2019 spread strong winds and low humidity across much of the area. High winds first developed during the early morning in the higher terrain before spreading into nearby valleys and highlands during the afternoon. Many areas along the central mountain chain reported sustained winds near 40 mph with peak gusts near 60 mph. The remainder of the state experienced wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph with blowing dust, low humidity, and above normal temperatures. The first destructive wildfire of the 2019 season broke out along the Rio Grande near the Rio Communities during the late afternoon. The fire initially started on the west bank of the Rio Grande near Los Chavez then spread across the river to over 100 acres. The fire destroyed at least two homes, seven outbuildings, and six recreational vehicles. Two fire fighters were injured in the blaze.

High Wind in NORTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ABOVE 9500 FEET/RED RIVER, NEW MEXICO
From 06-MAR-19 18:00:00 to 07-MAR-19 14:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The Taos Ski Valley mesonet at Kachina Peak reported wind gusts between 58 mph and 64 mph for several hours.

High Wind in FAR NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 07-MAR-19 01:05:00 to 07-MAR-19 03:45:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A public weather station in Cimarron reported wind gusts up to 64 mph.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 07-MAR-19 01:05:00 to 07-MAR-19 03:40:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 43.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A public weather station near Nogal reported sustained winds between 40 mph and 50 mph for a couple hours.

High Wind in NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 07-MAR-19 01:45:00 to 07-MAR-19 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 38.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The Las Vegas airport reported sustained winds between 40 mph and 44 mph.

High Wind in RATON RIDGE/JOHNSON MESA, NEW MEXICO
From 07-MAR-19 02:10:00 to 07-MAR-19 04:40:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 58.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A public weather station in Des Moines reported wind gusts up to 67 mph.

High Wind in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 07-MAR-19 12:45:00 to 07-MAR-19 16:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 39.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Clines Corners reported sustained winds between 40 mph and 44 mph for a few hours.

High Wind in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 07-MAR-19 15:00:00 to 07-MAR-19 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Clines Corners reported wind gusts up to 61 mph.

Wildfire in ALBUQUERQUE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 07-MAR-19 17:30:00 to 08-MAR-19 23:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A wildfire broke out along the west bank of the Rio Grande near Los Chavez then spread across the river to over 100 acres. The fire destroyed at least two homes, seven outbuildings, and six recreational vehicles. One other home was also damaged. Two fire fighters were injured in the blaze. Property damages are a rough estimate.