NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Storms are set to return for more areas in New Mexico today as the clashing of air masses has created a duality in the weather pattern statewide. Earlier this morning, a cluster of strong thunderstorms weakened while moving to the east of Tucumcari with briefly some heavy rain, some lightning, plus gusty winds associated with the storms that were part of a more organized line extending through The Panhandle of Texas and Oklahoma. Elsewhere, skies have been starting off very clear from clouds with rising temperatures. Early-morning temperatures were starting off in the 40’s for places like Gallup, plus the northern areas as well, while many other areas started off in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. Easterly winds brought in high humidity earlier in The Metro, but those winds are now switching back a little bit more from the southwest, allowing for drier air to swing back in.
Monsoonal moisture is holding on strong through eastern areas of The Land of Enchantment as localized thunderstorms are just beginning to form, while areas to the northwest of Albuquerque in The Four Corners will remain dry.
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.
