Heavy rain, severe weather, mountain snow moves into parts of New Mexico this weekend

Our first storm system of fall is moving into New Mexico today. Heavy rain, severe storms, and mountain snow will move in through the weekend.

High winds have developed Friday across the western half of New Mexico, ahead of our first fall storm of the season. Wind gusts have been recorded at over 50 mph in Albuquerque, causing areas of blowing dust. Isolated showers, a couple thunderstorms, and mountain snow. More thunderstorms are likely in eastern New Mexico through this evening and into the overnight hours. While in western New Mexico, a strong cold front will begin moving east through the state, also bringing more showers and mountain snow with it as it does.

Through the day Saturday, the storm system will continue moving through New Mexico. Rain and mountain snow will mainly stay focused in northern and eastern halves of the state. Heavy snow may be possible in the northern mountains and especially in the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado. Although, in New Mexico, the heaviest snow will stay across the mountain peaks, bringing little impact for most. In eastern New Mexico though, scattered strong to severe storms are likely by Saturday evening. These storms will drop heavy rainfall, and could bring gusty winds, large hail, and even and isolated tornado or two. Temperatures will be much cooler all across the state Saturday, with breezy winds.

Heavy rain will continue across parts of eastern New Mexico Saturday night into Sunday morning, while western New Mexico begins to dry out. Scattered showers and thunderstorms, along with mountain snow will continue through Sunday evening across northern and eastern New Mexico. Once this storm moves out Sunday night, parts of eastern New Mexico will see anywhere from 1″ to 5″+ of rainfall. While above 9,000′ in the northern mountains, a few to several inches of snow will have fallen, with up to 3′ in the San Juans in southwest Colorado. Temperatures will be very cold heading out the door Monday morning as drier and colder air filters in behind the storm system.

A warming trend begins Monday as high pressure starts building back over the Southwest. This will keep our weather quiet and dry all of next week. High temperatures climb back above normal again by Tuesday.

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