National Weather ServiceNew MexicoHigh Wind WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
High Wind Watches in New Mexico
The National Weather Service issued 46 high wind watches for New Mexico in 2025 and 42 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 2nd most of any state. 2026 through September: 21, 33% below the average of 32 for those months in 2008-2025. Guadalupe Mountains of Eddy County was covered most often (433 times since 2008).
How many high wind watches does New Mexico get?
Every high wind watch that covered part of New Mexico. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 21 |
| 2025 | 46 |
| 2024 | 51 |
| 2023 | 50 |
| 2022 | 61 |
| 2021 | 54 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2019 | 50 |
| 2018 | 34 |
| 2017 | 38 |
| 2016 | 34 |
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2014 | 31 |
| 2013 | 41 |
| 2012 | 43 |
| 2011 | 48 |
| 2010 | 40 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2008 | 55 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does New Mexico get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in New Mexico?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guadalupe Mountains of Eddy County | 433 | 80 | May 5, 2026 |
| South Central Mountains | 143 | 34 | May 18, 2026 |
| Central Highlands | 140 | 41 | May 18, 2026 |
| Northeast Highlands | 126 | 35 | May 18, 2026 |
| Southwest Chaves County | 116 | 31 | April 26, 2026 |
| Eastern Lincoln County | 112 | 31 | April 26, 2026 |
| Guadalupe County | 112 | 35 | April 26, 2026 |
| East Slopes Sangre de Cristo Mountains | 110 | 29 | May 18, 2026 |
| Quay County | 96 | 23 | March 27, 2026 |
| Far Northeast Highlands | 92 | 27 | May 18, 2026 |
| South Central Highlands | 89 | 17 | April 26, 2026 |
| Eastern San Miguel County | 84 | 23 | March 15, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a high wind watch?
A high wind watch means winds reaching high wind warning values are possible. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. The national record · Every warning type in New Mexico.