Monsoon storms will return to New Mexico this week, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, frequent lightning, and localized flooding to the central, western, and northern parts of the state.
The unsettled weather will last through July 20 as tropical moisture streams into the Southwest. Afternoon heat and humidity will likely trigger thunderstorms each day, with the heaviest rain affecting communities including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Farmington, Gallup and Taos.
While the rain offers relief after weeks of hot, dry weather, meteorologists warn the storms pose severe risks, particularly in flood-prone areas.
State emergency management officials warned that western and central New Mexico face the greatest impact. They urged residents living downstream from recent wildfire burn scars to prepare for rapid runoff, flash flooding, and debris flows. Authorities also cautioned drivers to avoid flooded roadways.
Although the moisture will help ease ongoing drought conditions, dry lightning and gusty winds ahead of the rain could spark new wildfires and complicate firefighting efforts.
