Storms forecast for northern, central NM

Localized flash flooding likely through weekend as rain chances increase

Monsoon season continues. Meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque say storms will increase today and Thursday across northern and central New Mexico and remain active through the weekend.

Locally, heavy rainfall, along with small hail and gusty winds, is possible with the stronger storms, and that means a likelihood of localized flash flooding, especially over and near recent burn scars, each afternoon and evening.

An upper-level disturbance will move across northern and eastern New Mexico today, and a weak front will enhance precipitation chances. Strong to severe storms are possible in eastern New Mexico this afternoon and evening, according to Daniel Porter, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

The pattern will continue Thursday as moisture remains over the area with high pressure to the west, he said.

“As we get into Thursday, it looks like time for an uptick in precipitation chances, particu-

larly as we go across western and central New Mexico,” he said.

High pressure will start to shift into southwestern New Mexico on Friday, Porter said, allowing disturbances to track across northern areas of the state. The best precipitation chances will be over higher terrain in the northern, central and southwestern areas of the state.

Plenty of moisture will remain in place for showers and thunderstorms during the weekend, Porter said, as upper-level high pressure continues to meander over western New Mexico.

The forecast for the Albuquerque area calls for a chance of afternoon and evening thunderstorms today through Sunday night. High temperatures are expected to be around 90 through Saturday and in the low 90s Sunday.