Albuquerque, NM — After a chilly start to the week, New Mexico is bracing for a shift as a stalled storm system over southern California pulls moisture into the region. The result will be widespread showers and thunderstorms beginning Friday and lasting through the weekend.
A Cool, Quiet Start Before the Change
Wednesday morning brought some of the coolest air in months to parts of New Mexico. By afternoon, temperatures returned to seasonal averages, and conditions were largely calm. Only a handful of spotty showers over the Gila region briefly disrupted the quiet day, but skies cleared by evening.
Forecasters told KRQE News that this calm weather won’t last long.
“Moisture starts moving into western New Mexico Thursday, bringing another chance for storms across more of southwest and parts of western New Mexico,” meteorologists explained.
Warming Trend Through Thursday and Friday
Temperatures are expected to begin a warming trend Thursday afternoon, continuing into Friday for much of the state. With the incoming moisture, southwestern and western New Mexico will see the first signs of returning storm chances.
Weekend Storm System Brings Rain to Nearly All of New Mexico
A large low-pressure system is forecast to stall over southern California Friday. This circulation will funnel moisture into New Mexico, creating favorable conditions for widespread showers and thunderstorms.
Key impacts expected this weekend include:
- Friday afternoon: Showers and storms develop across western New Mexico.
- Saturday into Sunday: Widespread showers and thunderstorms across nearly all of the state.
- Heaviest rainfall: Likely in western and southern New Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley.
- Temperatures: Cooler statewide by Sunday and into Monday.
“Through Sunday, the heaviest rain will likely fall in western and southern parts of the state, along with areas around the Rio Grande Valley,” forecasters noted.
Monday Outlook and Uncertainty
While storm chances remain high through the weekend, meteorologists say rain coverage is less certain by Monday. Cooler temperatures are still expected to linger, providing some relief after this week’s warmer afternoons.
Preparing for Wet Weather
Residents are advised to monitor local forecasts closely, especially if planning outdoor activities this weekend. With widespread rainfall possible, flash flooding could become a concern in low-lying or flood-prone areas.
What are your thoughts on the coming storms? Do you welcome the rain or worry about flooding risks? Share your views in the comments below.
