Remnants of Sergio to leave slight chance of t-storms
Improved weather pattern should provide good day for balloon fans today
A pleasant weather pattern is in store for balloonists and fiesta visitors today, but a slightly more active pattern is possible toward the end of the week as remnants of Tropical Storm Sergio move through southern New Mexico, according to meteorologists with the National Weather Service.
Some uncertainty exists with regards to the exact track of Tropical Storm Sergio, which is expected to make landfall in Baja California on Friday and migrate over the Gulf of California before moving into New Mexico.
That means a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the forecast for Friday though Sunday.
But Daniel Porter, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, said most of the remnant moisture from Sergio will likely stay to the south of the metro area. And that’s good news for balloonists after several events were cancelled last weekend.
“There are increased chances for showers and storms Friday night and Saturday morning in the Albuquerque area, but areas farther south are going to be favored for moisture from Sergio,” Porter said. “We’re not expecting any strong prevailing winds associated with Sergio.”
Porter said residents should continue to monitor forecasts as the chances of storms could increase or decrease depending on Sergio’s path.
Metro Albuquerque will see mostly sunny skies today with light winds this morning — favorable ballooning conditions for the Special Shape Rodeo. Forecasters are also predicting light winds for Friday morning’s Special Shape Rodeo and mass ascensions on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Expect temperatures in the 40s each morning through Sunday.
There could be a big change to start the new week, however.
Forecasters expect a strong cold front to arrive late Saturday causing temperatures to plummet, especially across eastern New Mexico, on Sunday. High temperatures will be 25 to 35 degrees below normal across the east. After a cold day, forecasters expect a cold night to follow, with a hard freeze possible for portions of northeast New Mexico.