Forecasts show New Mexico expecting widespread rain this week

Temperatures are no longer the focus

New Mexico can expect cooler temperatures and heavy rainfall later this week, with flash flooding possible across much of the state.

Kerry Jones, meteorologist in charge at the National Weather Service office in Albuquerque, said the moisture that will move into the state on Wednesday is left over from Pacific Hurricane Nora.

The system made landfall over the weekend near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, as a Category 1 storm.

“Temperatures are not the focus this week, precipitation is,” Jones said.

Tuesday in Albuquerque may reach 91 degrees. The city has a 10% chance of rain.

Storm chances will ramp up starting Wednesday. Albuquerque has a 50% chance of rain on Wednesday and the metro area may reach a high of 89 degrees.

Thursday has the greatest potential for heavy storms across western and central New Mexico.

“We’ll see how it plays out,” Jones said. “We could end up with lots of overcast skies and widespread precipitation. Any thunderstorm that does develop is going to be highly efficient and is going to put down some water.”

Areas severely burned by wildfires have the greatest potential for flash floods this week.

Albuquerque is expected to reach a high of 84 degrees on Thursday. The city has a 60% chance of rain. The monsoon plume will start to “thin out” this weekend, Jones said.

Friday temperatures could reach 82 degrees, with a 60% chance of rain for Albuquerque.

Scattered thunderstorms are possible, but rain chances will dwindle as the weekend progresses. Northern and western New Mexico could see slow-moving storms this weekend.

Saturday and Sunday temperatures in Albuquerque may reach the mid-80s.

Theresa Davis is a Report for America corps member covering water and the environment for the Albuquerque Journal.