Albuquerque, New Mexico – Flash Flood Watches will grip central and southwestern New Mexico from noon to 10 p.m. Tuesday, with slow-moving storms poised to unleash life-threatening rainfall, especially over recent burn scars and mountain valleys.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, there’s at least a 15% chance for excessive rain leading to dangerous flash flooding from the Arizona border to the highlands east of the central mountain chain. Areas at highest risk include Ruidoso, Hermits Peak Calf Canyon, and the central and southwest mountains. Debris flows, rapidly rising water in normally dry arroyos, and road closures are likely—especially below burn scars.
Heavy rainfall rates could exceed one inch per hour in stronger cells, threatening poorly-drained homes, businesses, and low-lying roads like US 285, NM 518, and I-25 corridors near Santa Fe and Socorro. Residents in Santa Fe, Taos, Albuquerque, and Las Vegas should be prepared for flooded streets, power disruptions, and sudden road washouts. Avoid driving through flooded roadways, and have devices charged in case of outages.
This flash flood threat is expected to ease after 10 p.m., but more storm chances linger through midweek. The National Weather Service warns that additional advisories are possible, especially if saturated ground and burn scars remain vulnerable.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Central & Northern New Mexico
- Tuesday: Flash Flood Watch noon–10 p.m.; scattered thunderstorms, 1″–2″ localized rain, highest near mountains
- Wednesday: Isolated showers and storms, drier by evening, 20–40% chance for rain
- Thursday: Mostly dry, slight chance of showers in high country, highs in mid-80s
- Friday: Sunny and warmer, minimal rain chances, highs upper 80s
- Saturday: Continued dry, mostly sunny, highs near 90°
