Thunderstorm Wind — Mckinley, New Mexico

2021-04-23 · near (gup)gallup Airport, Mckinley, New Mexico

Event narrative

An ASOS station in Gallup measured a 58 mph wind gust from a shower that produced a dry microburst.

Wider weather episode

A weak system crossing the southern Rockies on April 23, 2021 generated rain and mountain snow showers as well as a few thunderstorms across portions of New Mexico. However, a lack of substantial moisture, most notably in the low-levels, associated with this system resulted in more dry showers and thunderstorms rather than wetting precipitation. The virga and downburst winds associated with this activity resulted in strong winds in excess of 58 mph at several locations. In Los Lunas, estimated wind speeds of 50 to 60 mph downed a large cottonwood tree.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (35.5100, -108.7900)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 956673. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.