ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Central New Mexico drivers should prepare for changing conditions as fall weather pushes into the region later this week. Thursday looks calm, but showers and thunderstorms may return by Friday and continue into the weekend, creating safety concerns for travelers along I-25 and I-40.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, skies remain mostly clear through Thursday with highs near the mid-80s. Friday brings a 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, increasing to 40 percent by Saturday. Forecasters warn that scattered storms could bring brief downpours, lightning, and slick roads during peak travel times.
The timing is key for those commuting through downtown Albuquerque or heading east toward Tijeras Canyon. Afternoon travel Friday may see developing storms, while Saturday carries the stronger chance of widespread activity. Motorists are urged to keep headlights on during rainfall, allow extra time, and monitor updated alerts.
While temperatures remain seasonably warm, cooler nights in the 50s signal fall’s arrival. Early next week, highs drop into the upper 70s with lingering storm chances. The shift marks the first sustained break from the dry, sunny pattern of late summer.
Residents should secure outdoor items, check drainage around properties, and prepare for brief power interruptions during lightning activity. Emergency managers caution that even light rainfall on dry ground can trigger slick conditions on highways.
More updates are expected from the National Weather Service as Friday approaches. Alerts could expand if thunderstorm coverage increases across the Albuquerque metro.
Five-Day Forecast for Albuquerque, NM
- Tuesday: Sunny, high near 83°F. Low around 53°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny, high near 79°F. Low around 54°F.
- Thursday: Sunny, high near 84°F. Low around 59°F.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 85°F. 20% chance of storms. Low near 59°F.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 83°F. 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Low near 57°F.
