Weather
Central New Mexico Weather Alert: Weekend Storms Oct 30-31
Albuquerque, NM – Thunderstorms and showers could return to the Albuquerque area late Friday, Oct. 30, after several days of improving weather, bringing another round of potentially wet conditions ahe
By Nora Whitfield · 2026-10-25T10:42:50.388Z
Albuquerque, NM – Thunderstorms and showers could return to the Albuquerque area late Friday, Oct. 30, after several days of improving weather, bringing another round of potentially wet conditions ahead of Halloween. The National Weather Service projects a 70% chance of precipitation Friday night, following a 50% chance during the day. The developing weekend pattern comes after Sunday's more immediate thunderstorm threat, which carries a 70% precipitation probability and the potential for locally heavier rainfall across portions of New Mexico.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, Friday's weather is expected to become mostly cloudy, with a high near 69 degrees and a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Rain chances increase to 70% Friday night, when showers are likely and thunderstorms remain possible. Temperatures are expected to fall to approximately 46 degrees, setting up a cool, potentially damp start to Halloween weekend.
Rain Chances Increase Before Halloween Saturday, Oct. 31, brings a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with partly sunny skies and a high near 67 degrees. Although the forecast does not establish widespread heavy rainfall for Halloween, the possibility of scattered showers could affect outdoor gatherings, community celebrations and daytime travel across Albuquerque and Bernalillo County.
The Friday night precipitation probability is particularly notable because it follows a relatively dry stretch during the middle of the week. Residents planning outdoor Halloween activities should monitor updated forecasts for changes in rainfall timing and thunderstorm coverage. The available forecast does not specify rainfall totals for Friday night or Saturday, and the exact distribution of precipitation remains uncertain.
Sunday's Thunderstorms Bring an Earlier Concern Before the late week weather change, central New Mexico faces a more immediate period of unsettled conditions Sunday, Oct. 25. The National Weather Service projects a high near 66 degrees, with showers becoming likely and thunderstorms possible after 3 p.m. The precipitation probability reaches 70%, although expected new rainfall amounts are generally less than one tenth of an inch, except where thunderstorms produce higher totals.
The NOAA Weather Prediction Center has also identified a Slight Risk, level 2 of 4, for excessive rainfall across portions of the central and southern Rockies and High Plains through early Monday. Localized flash flooding is possible within the broader risk area, especially near small streams, narrow drainage channels, roads and burn scars. That regional designation does not establish an identical flood risk for every Albuquerque neighborhood.
Drivers traveling Interstate 25 and Interstate 40 should remain aware of changing visibility and potentially wet pavement during showers. Heavier thunderstorms could create localized drainage problems, particularly where rainfall concentrates over a short period. However, the supplied forecast does not confirm road closures, widespread flooding or a severe thunderstorm warning for Albuquerque.
Sunshine Returns Before Another Weather Shift Conditions improve Monday, Oct. 26, as clouds gradually decrease and temperatures reach approximately 67 degrees. Tuesday brings sunshine and a high near 70 degrees, while Wednesday is expected to be mostly sunny with temperatures reaching 71 degrees. Thursday continues the warming trend with a high near 72 degrees before precipitation chances return Thursday night.
The sequence gives Albuquerque residents several opportunities for outdoor activities and travel before Friday's next round of unsettled weather. Forecast confidence in the precise timing and coverage of late week thunderstorms remains limited, making updated National Weather Service guidance especially important as Halloween approaches.
Will the possibility of Friday night thunderstorms change your Halloween weekend plans?
Five Day Weather Outlook Sunday 10/25: Partly sunny skies give way to showers and possible thunderstorms after 3 p.m., with a high near 66 degrees, a 70% precipitation chance and a nighttime low around 44 degrees.
Monday 10/26: Mostly cloudy conditions gradually become sunny, with a high near 67 degrees and north winds around 5 mph becoming calm; Monday night turns mostly clear, with a low near 43 degrees.
Tuesday 10/27: Sunny skies return across Albuquerque, bringing a high near 70 degrees and generally favorable conditions for outdoor activities; Tuesday night remains mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to approximately 45 degrees.
Wednesday 10/28: Mostly sunny skies continue, with temperatures climbing to around 71 degrees during the afternoon; Wednesday night becomes partly cloudy, with a low near 45 degrees and no precipitation indicated in the supplied forecast.
Thursday 10/29: Mostly sunny conditions bring a high near 72 degrees before clouds increase Thursday night, when temperatures fall to around 47 degrees and the chance of showers reaches 30%.
Extended Weather Outlook Friday, Oct. 30: Mostly cloudy skies are expected, with a high near 69 degrees and a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Friday night brings a 70% chance of precipitation, with showers likely, possible thunderstorms and a low near 46 degrees.
Saturday, Oct. 31 — Halloween: Partly sunny skies are expected, with a high near 67 degrees and a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. The supplied forecast does not provide a Saturday night temperature or precipitation probability.