- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Gusty Winds and Blowing Dust Expected in Borderland This Week
High Wind Watches and Warnings Issued as Westerly Gusts Could Reach 70 MPH
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The National Weather Service has issued High Wind Watches and Warnings for parts of the Borderland region, with westerly wind gusts potentially reaching up to 70 miles per hour. Residents can expect dusty and gusty conditions throughout the week, with the strongest winds expected on Tuesday.
Why it matters
Strong winds and blowing dust can create hazardous driving conditions, reduce visibility, and pose risks to outdoor activities. The high wind events could also lead to power outages and property damage in the affected areas.
The details
According to the weather forecast, the Borderland region will experience gusty southwesterly winds throughout the week, with the strongest gusts expected on Tuesday. A High Wind Watch has been issued for the Sacramento Mountains, where winds could reach up to 70 mph, and a High Wind Warning has been issued for the Guadalupe Mountains, with gusts up to 60 mph. While no watches or warnings have been issued for El Paso or Las Cruces, the cities can still expect to see winds peaking in the 40-50 mph range, which could kick up dust from the nearby Chihuahua Desert.
- The High Wind Watch for the Sacramento Mountains will go into effect on Tuesday morning.
- The High Wind Warning for the Guadalupe Mountains is currently in effect.
- Gusty southwesterly winds are expected to peak on Tuesday afternoon around 1 PM.
- Blowing dust is likely on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
The players
National Weather Service
The federal agency responsible for issuing weather watches, warnings, and forecasts for the United States.
Sacramento Mountains
A mountain range located in southern New Mexico, near the Texas border.
Guadalupe Mountains
A mountain range straddling the border between Texas and New Mexico.
What’s next
Residents in the affected areas should monitor the latest weather updates and be prepared for potential power outages, property damage, and hazardous driving conditions due to the high winds and blowing dust.
The takeaway
This week's gusty winds and blowing dust serve as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for severe weather events in the Borderland region. Residents should stay informed, secure any loose outdoor items, and exercise caution when traveling during high wind conditions.
