Stormy days AHEAD
Forecast calls for severe weather across northeastern NM
Another active storm pattern is in store for residents in northern and central New Mexico this week, meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque said Monday.
Severe weather is possible today and Wednesday across northeastern New Mexico, weather service meteorologist Brian Guyer said, with large hail and damaging wind gusts the main threats. Heavy rain will also be possible, which could lead to localized flash flooding.
“When we have a northwest flow in place across the northeast portion of the state, we generally know that there is at least some risk that there could be, at least, a strong thunderstorm, if not severe,” Guyer said.
Showers and thunderstorms will continue to increase in number and intensity through the rest of the workweek.
On Wednesday, a disturbance will increase thunderstorm coverage from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains eastward, as well as the high plains from Des Moines and Clayton south to the east-central plains.
Increased storms are expected in the Four Corners area Thursday. The best chances for precipitation will take place across northern and western higher terrain.
Heavy rain will become an increasing concern throughout the
week as soils become saturated and storm motion slows. Localized flash flooding is possible, forecasters said.
Higher pressure will continue to build west and northwest of New Mexico on Thursday, Guyer said, gradually drifting toward the north.
“The low-pressure system over the Texas Gulf Coast is going to start drifting toward the west and give us a surge of mid- and upper-level moisture across the area, too,” Guyer said. “By Thursday, that’s when we’re going to see concern for flash flooding in the area.”
Temperatures statewide are expected to trend downward starting Wednesday, and continuing Thursday and Friday as storm chances increase.
“Most of the state will be looking at (high) temperatures in the 80s,” Guyer said. “That is about 5 degrees below normal. I know folks will be enjoying that.”
Albuquerque will have slight chances of precipitation each day through Saturday, according to the NWS forecast, with high temperatures in the 90s today and Wednesday, and highs in the 80s Thursday through Saturday.