Albuquerque, NM – New Mexico faces a wide range of weather hazards over the next several days, including strong thunderstorms, localized flooding, triple-digit heat and an increasing wildfire threat across parts of the state.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop across much of New Mexico through Monday, with the greatest severe weather threat focused on eastern portions of the state Saturday afternoon and evening.
A Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) for severe thunderstorms remains in place across parts of eastern New Mexico on Saturday, June 13. Forecasters say some storms could produce large hail, damaging wind gusts and frequent lightning between noon and 8 p.m. MDT. Localized flash flooding is also possible, particularly near recent burn scars and in eastern counties where heavy rainfall rates could exceed one inch per hour.
Rain and storm chances are expected to expand westward Sunday before lingering into Monday. Several communities across northern and central New Mexico could see precipitation chances between 50% and 90%, according to forecast guidance.
After a brief cooldown Sunday, temperatures will begin climbing again early next week. High temperatures across the eastern plains are expected to approach 100 degrees by Tuesday and Wednesday, while portions of central New Mexico, including areas south of Albuquerque, could reach between 100 and 105 degrees.
The return of hotter and much drier air will also increase wildfire concerns. Forecasters are highlighting Wednesday, June 17, as a potentially dangerous fire weather day. Very low humidity combined with northwest wind gusts up to 40 mph may create critical fire conditions from the Central Highlands northwestward toward the Four Corners region.
Officials urge residents to remain weather aware, avoid outdoor burning, properly dispose of cigarettes and monitor forecasts closely as conditions change through the week.
