Albuquerque will experience another punishing late-summer heat wave. Temperatures could potentially push the mercury toward 100°F as dangerous weather conditions spread across the American Southwest.
The National Weather Service expects a high of 98F on Thursday. It will be followed by a scorching 99F on Friday, under mostly cloudless skies.
Even after sunset, Albuquerque residents may continue to experience sweltering heat. Forecasters expect temperatures through the evening to dip to only the mid-to-upper 60s, a little relief for residents without air conditioning or in poorly ventilated homes.
Albuquerque is not alone, as dangerous heat will build across the Southwest through Friday, with temperatures expected to climb to 110°F to 115F.
In Albuquerque, the sweltering heat was already felt Wednesday afternoon.
Temperatures at Albuquerque International Sunport reached about 92F under mostly cloudy skies. Humidity was only 18 percent, which is typical of the high desert. But the dry air offers little relief once the clouds disappear and the blistering sun takes over.
However, a brief respite is expected. There is a small chance of isolated thunderstorms Thursday night and again over the weekend, meteorologists said. Isolated rain showers could offer relief, but a shift in the broader pattern of punishing heat is unlikely.
Temperatures will ease slightly to around 95F by Saturday. But that is hardly a cool-down.
The NWS forecasts that the first part of next week will also remain hot, with highs in the low-to-mid 90s and only a small chance of scattered thunderstorms.
Officials warned residents not to underestimate the heat, even as the calendar edges toward September, with summer showing no signs of letting up.
