High Wind — Northeast Highlands, New Mexico

2025-01-22 · Northeast Highlands, New Mexico

Event narrative

A mountain wave crashing to the surface resulting in a brief 64 mph wind gust at the Las Vegas Municipal Airport.

Wider weather episode

A shortwave trough among longwave troughing across the eastern two thirds of the Continental U.S. dove southeast across the central Rockies. Strong westerly winds at the base of the trough moved across the northern mountains during the early morning hours of January 22nd resulting in some mountain wave activity across the adjacent highlands. One mountain wave crashed to the surface around Las Vegas Municipal Airport resulting in a brief 64 mph wind gust at the site. West northwest winds tapered off across the northern mountains and highlands during the late morning hours as mid and upper level winds relaxed.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1224210. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.