Cooling off in NM

Slow-moving storms could cause flash flooding in some areas

Temperatures to drop to low 90s in ABQ area, with increased chances of rain tonight and Thursday

A moist frontal system that moved into and through New Mexico over the weekend is expected to increase storms starting today, along with a slight cooling trend, meteorologists from the National Weather Service office in Albuquerque said Monday.

Forecasters said residents can expect widespread showers and thunderstorms in central and northern New Mexico through the weekend.

Chuck Jones, a meteorologist with the weather service, said there is a small risk of severe weather in northeastern New Mexico and the east-central plains today as high pressure shifts into southeastern Arizona and an upper-level disturbance affects eastern New Mexico.

The cold front “brought in a lot of low-level moisture,” Jones said. “High pressure aloft is going to go westward, and that will allow for the upper-level disturbance that’s over Colorado to slip into the northeast, and that could trigger the severe weather, as well.”

Strong to severe storms are possible Wednesday across the northeastern part of the state and the east-central plains, with any storms moving toward the east-southeast.

Another cold front arriving Wednesday night into Thursday will recharge low-level moisture, Jones said, with flash flooding possible in and around the central mountains.

High pressure will settle over New Mexico on Friday, resulting in erratic and slow storm motions. Flash flooding is possible from southwestern New Mexico to the northeastern plains.

The best chance for storms in metro Albuquerque is tonight and Thursday night, according to the weather service.

Meteorologist Daniel Porter said flash flooding will be a big concern each day, especially on recent burn scars, including the areas of the Ute Park, Cajete, Sardinas and Morris Creek fires.

“The big story for this upcoming week is the increased chances of precipitation, the threat of heavy rainfall, and that in turn will lead to the risk of flash flooding,” Porter said.

Heavy rainfall will create dangerous flows in arroyos and over low water crossings. Do not attempt to drive through these waters. Water in arroyos may travel many miles and take hours to reach your location from upstream rain areas.

High temperatures in Albuquerque will be in the low 90s each day through Sunday, according to the forecast, with lows in the upper 60s.