Weather forecasters warned residents not to let recent warm and dry conditions lull them into complacency this weekend.
A cooler and wetter storm system is moving across the Southwest. It is expected to bring scattered rain showers, thunderstorms, and even late-season mountain snow to parts of New Mexico beginning Friday through Sunday, according to meteorologists and the National Weather Service.
The change could offer relief to drought-stricken and fire-prone areas. Officials, however, are also warning of hazardous travel conditions, slick roads, gusty winds, and rapidly changing weather in higher elevations. Higher elevations could experience light snowfall as temperatures drop behind the system. “This is one of the more active spring weather patterns we’ve seen in recent weeks,” forecasters said, as moisture pushes into the region from the Pacific.
State forecasters said the wettest conditions are likely to occur across northern and central New Mexico, including areas surrounding Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Thunderstorms may also develop in the afternoon and evening over parts of eastern New Mexico.
Unstable weather patterns emerged following sustained periods of extreme fire danger throughout the state. Dry vegetation and strong winds have heightened wildfire risks. Weekend rains could temporarily ease those risks in certain areas. But meteorologists warned that lightning from thunderstorms could still spark isolated fires.
Forecasters are encouraging residents to closely track local weather alerts, particularly those planning outdoor activities, hiking excursions in mountain areas, or road trips.
What New Mexicans Should Do This Weekend
Weather officials urged residents to:
- Keep umbrellas, rain jackets and emergency travel kits at hand.
- Avoid driving through flooded roadways.
- Expect reduced visibility and slippery highways during heavier showers.
- Secure outdoor furniture and lightweight objects ahead of gusty winds.
- Monitor weather updates frequently, especially in rural and high-elevation communities.
- Be ready for sudden temperature drops in higher elevations.
The weather advisory also warned campers and hikers about the dangers of lightning and rapidly changing mountain weather conditions. While the storm system is less likely to bring widespread severe flooding, the public should expect downpours and isolated strong thunderstorms through the weekend.
The rain may be welcome after months of dry conditions. But forecasters say the changing skies should be a reminder that spring weather in the Southwest can shift quickly.
Residents can monitor fresh weather forecasts and advisories through the National Weather Service Albuquerque Forecast Office.