Albuquerque, NM – New Mexico residents should prepare for a breezy weekend followed by increasing rain chances next week, according to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque.
Forecasters say winds will increase across the state Friday, Oct. 3, with gusts reaching 15 to 30 mph in many areas. By Saturday, Oct. 4, stronger southwest winds will bring gusts up to 45 mph in some locations, especially in western and northern New Mexico. A few light showers and storms could develop in the northern mountains, but rainfall amounts will be minimal.
According to the National Weather Service, more tranquil conditions will return Sunday with cooler temperatures and lighter winds. However, moisture is expected to slowly return early next week. Widespread showers and scattered thunderstorms are possible from Tuesday, Oct. 7, through Thursday, Oct. 9, with rain chances peaking in the middle to late part of the week.
While widespread flash flooding is not anticipated, the weather service notes that localized flash flooding could become a concern in mid- to late-week storms. Areas including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Gallup, and Farmington all show increasing precipitation probabilities, ranging between 40% and 55% by Wednesday and Thursday.
Drivers should expect gusty crosswinds on highways and plan for possible wet travel conditions midweek.
