Albuquerque, New Mexico – Scattered storms and 94° heat are set to converge on central New Mexico Thursday, bringing a renewed risk of afternoon lightning, gusty winds, and travel delays along I-25 and I-40 near Albuquerque. Thursday’s storms mark the start of an unsettled stretch that could affect weekend plans across Bernalillo County and beyond.
According to the National Weather Service, thunderstorms are likely Thursday afternoon into the evening, especially between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. Winds may gust between 15–25 mph as storms develop, primarily moving east from the Sandia and Manzano Mountains. Expect reduced visibility and slick roads, particularly along major interstates and low-lying areas.
Friday brings a brief break, with mostly sunny skies and highs near 95°, but storm chances return by evening and persist through Saturday and Sunday. While widespread severe weather is not expected, isolated downpours could cause flash flooding in areas with poor drainage.
Storm chances linger through early next week, with daytime highs climbing near 98° again by Tuesday. The combination of monsoon moisture and above-average summer heat may keep conditions unstable through July 22nd.
🌤️ FIVE-DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK (JULY 17 – 22)
- Thursday: High 94°F. Scattered storms in the afternoon. Winds E 15–20 mph.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high 95°F. Chance of evening storms.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high 95°F. 40% chance of PM storms.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 96°F. 20% chance of storms before midnight.
- Monday: Sunny and hot, high 98°F. Night low near 67°F.
- Tuesday: High near 99°F. Dry and hot under mostly sunny skies.
