Very warm & drier weather in the short term around New Mexico

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Fewer pockets of rainfall activity are present in the southwest corner of New Mexico this morning with hit-or-miss rain activity still possible this afternoon, but it will generally be a little bit sunnier, slightly hotter, and slightly drier. Weakening showers in southwestern Hidalgo County and in Las Cruces are moving to the northwest while drizzle in Union County is dissipating to the east around a high pressure system that has migrated to the southeast of our region. Light northeastward-moving showers have developed in Torrance County, just to the north of Corona. Meanwhile, wildfires are still spewing out smoke in southeast Arizona with a concentrated area of hazy smoke has somewhat settled to the ground around Quemado and Gallup, as well as parts of The Four Corners, with some poor air quality as well. Otherwise, some high thin clouds are moving northward and eastward in the western half of the Land of Enchantment with rain-free conditions for most with relatively humid air, as well as fluctuating morning temperatures that are generally above normal.

Forecast Continues Below

• Larry Barker Investigation: Troubled waters: Is New Mexico’s drinking water safe?
• Water: Thousands of New Mexicans relying on water systems with compliance issues
• Podcast: The Fallout From Alec Baldwin’s Botched Criminal Trial
• Trending: VIDEO: Disgruntled customer returns to store flashing gun

Once again, temperatures are slightly higher this morning for many valley vacations, but most of the northern mountain communities are a bit brisk with temperatures primarily in the 40’s, 50’s, and low 60’s. Valley locations are mostly ranging from the upper 50’s to the 70’s with more low-level tropical moisture still holding on strong, especially to the south of the metro. As temperatures rise into the upper 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and lower triple digits across the region, some moisture in the air, along with the daytime heating, will still lead to some afternoon rainfall, but not as widespread in the Gila National Forest, but nearly as widespread once again in parts of the mountain ranges of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the Sacramento Mountains, as well as potentially around the northern Rio Grande Valley. Burn-scar flash flooding will still be possible in the northern mountains, as well as the northern burn scars around Ruidoso especially where a flood watch is in effect. A few of the thunderstorms may initially be slow-moving as they form early this afternoon in the mountains, but then, the storms will strengthen while speeding up to the northeast this afternoon. A few pockets of heavy rain, some hail, gusty winds, and frequent lightning strikes will be more likely with the storms in the short term.

After today for the next few days, the monsoon high pressure to the southeast will weaken with a developing Four Corners high pressure that will move through the land of enchantment, bringing in more-stable air aloft during that process despite lingering some moisture at the surface. Then, the soon-to-be strengthening high pressure to the northwest will allow tropical moisture to come in from the south, allowing temperatures to rise even more before wetter weather eventually ensues late this week.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.