Hot and unstable weather settled over New Mexico on Thursday as high pressure built across the state, setting the stage for a multiday stretch of scorching heat and daily thunderstorm chances.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, temperatures will climb into the high 90s on Thursday in most parts of central and eastern New Mexico. The southeast plains could hit or go over 100 degrees. Heat risks will increase through the weekend, with lower areas seeing moderate to major impacts and highs in the upper 90s to low 100s.
The low-pressure system that caused flooding in western New Mexico earlier this week has moved into southeast Utah, leaving behind a lot of moisture in the western part of the state. While the overall flash flood risk went down on Thursday, forecasters say heavy downpours could still happen, especially in northern New Mexico, where scattered storms are expected in the afternoon and evening.
“Daily rounds of afternoon thunderstorms threatening lightning, gusty winds, small hail, and localized heavy rainfall continue at varying coverages through the weekend into next week,” the National Weather Service said in its overnight forecast discussion.
On Friday, the high-pressure system will move west, letting storm outflows bring more moisture into eastern and central New Mexico. This will increase the chance of rain in the eastern plains on Saturday. Slow and unpredictable storms will continue into early next week, raising the risk of flash flooding as moisture levels run much higher than usual for late July.
In Albuquerque, forecasters expect a high near 97 degrees on Thursday with a small chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Hot weather will stick around from Friday through the weekend, with highs in the upper 90s to near 100 and a daily chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms.
Forecasters say no critical fire weather will develop over the next week, though scattered storms will bring variable rainfall, mainly across the western and northern parts of the state.
Overnight temperatures will range from the upper 60s to around 70, with little relief from the heat.
Forecasters say the monsoon pattern will stay. But it will be erratic through at least early next week as the position of the upper high shifts. Officials warn residents to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activity during the hottest hours.
