NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Rain is returning or set to return for more areas in New Mexico today as the clashing of air masses is creating a duality in the weather pattern across the state. A cluster of strong thunderstorms is weakening while moving to the east of Tucumcari with heavy rain, some lightning, plus gusty winds associated with the storms which are part of a more organized line extending through The Panhandle of Texas and Oklahoma. Elsewhere, despite skies starting off very clear from clouds with comfortable temperatures, easterly winds are persistent in The Metro, preluding to that more-humid air mass trying to sneak on in.
Monsoonal moisture is pushing on in through southeastern areas of The Land of Enchantment, while areas to the northwest of Albuquerque in The Four Corners are still relatively dry. Morning temperatures are starting off in the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s.
Mother Nature will produce more fireworks of her own in The Pecos River Valley as flooding thunderstorms will be even more likely today in the burn-scar areas Ruidoso, as well as much of the northeastern plains. As a result of this muggier air mass, it won’t be as hot, but it’ll still be relatively drier and hot in the western half of the region this afternoon. Temperatures will reach the upper 70’s in the northern mountains while 80’s, 90’s, and near-100 degree temperatures will reign supreme elsewhere. The frontal boundary will creep back a little bit farther to the east this afternoon, but it will be situated far-enough west that more eastern areas have the chance for spurts of heavy rain, large hail, frequent lightning, and strong wind gusts.
The pendulum swing between humid air and drier air will continue this weekend as the western two thirds of the region will be hot while eastern areas will be not as hot.
