Strong to severe thunderstorms and spotty showers will develop in parts of New Mexico this afternoon along with a period of windy weather returning Sunday.
A backdoor cold front moved through eastern New Mexico this morning, bringing low clouds and drizzle. The front also brought a gusty east wind into the Rio Grande Valley this morning.
Strong to severe thunderstorms will develop Saturday afternoon in southeast New Mexico, with large hail and strong winds the biggest threats. Spotty showers will also develop in northern New Mexico, where a couple thunderstorms will be possible. Storms will move east out of New Mexico Saturday evening, with the rain showers ending Saturday night.
Another push of low level moisture will move into the state Saturday night through Sunday morning. However, an approaching storm system will increase wind speeds Sunday afternoon. Southwesterly winds will gust to as high as 55 mph in northwest New Mexico Sunday afternoon. The southwest winds will bring in drier air across the state Sunday afternoon.
Even stronger wind gusts will develop Monday afternoon, with westerly winds gusting to as high as 65 mph across parts of the state. Areas of blowing dust will be likely both Sunday and Monday, along with a very high fire danger. Wind speeds will begin a downward trend on Tuesday, with lighter winds in store by the end of next week.
