New Mexico is at a higher risk for severe thunderstorms on Thursday and Friday. A strong storm system moves through the Southwest, according to the latest outlooks from the Storm Prediction Center.
A strong storm system moving through the Southwest is bringing an elevated risk of severe thunderstorms to New Mexico on Thursday and Friday, according to the Storm Prediction Center. Western New Mexico faces a Slight Risk Thursday, with potential large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes, while Arizona faces the highest tornado chances.
The threat continues into Friday under a Marginal Risk for western and central New Mexico, including isolated supercells and possible tornadoes. Heavy moisture also raises flash flooding concerns, prompting a Flood Watch from the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, particularly near washes, canyons, and burn scars. Temperatures will remain mild, with officials urging residents to monitor alerts and avoid flooded roads.
On Thursday, forecasters place western New Mexico under a Slight Risk (level 2 out of 5) for severe thunderstorms. These storms could bring large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes.
The east-central and southeastern parts of Arizona will have the highest chance for tornadoes. In New Mexico, however, severe storms are expected to move east into western and possibly central parts during the afternoon and evening.
“Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected across portions of the Southwest today into tonight, with the most intense cells forecast across parts of Arizona and western New Mexico this afternoon and evening. Large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes all appear possible,” SPC stated.
The threat should lessen but will still be present by Friday.
Western and central New Mexico will be under a Marginal Risk (level 1 out of 5), with a chance for isolated supercells, severe hail, damaging winds, and possibly a tornado.
This system is carrying a lot of moisture, which could pose a significant risk of flash flooding.
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Flood Watch for western and central New Mexico, where heavy rain is possible. Some areas are already under a Flood Watch.
Several rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected. Dry washes, slot canyons, and recent burn scars are especially at risk for flash flooding.
Temperatures will stay mild, with highs mostly in the upper 60s to low 70s across much of the state. It may be breezy or windy at times.
Local NWS offices urge everyone to stay alert to the weather over the next two days. Make sure you have several ways to get warnings, such as wireless emergency alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, or local media. Avoid traveling in low-lying areas during heavy rain, and never drive through flooded roads.
