A relatively warmer, quiet and more tranquil weather pattern is in store for north and central New Mexico the first half of the week, but look for changes starting late Thursday.
A warming trend will continue for most areas of the state – including highs around 60 degrees in Albuquerque through Thursday, according to forecasters at the National Weather Service. But on Thursday night, a storm system will pass to the north of the state.
Forecasters say there might be enough moisture with the storm to squeeze out some snow across the northern mountains near the New Mexico/Colorado state line.
Winds will then pick up significantly on Friday in parts of the eastern plains, according to Todd Shoemake, meteorologist with the Albuquerque office of the National Weather Service, with possible gusts up to 50 mph.
“True to form, the central mountain chain and eastern plains will be the area favored for the strongest winds,” Shoemake said. “Along with perhaps some blowing dust.”
In addition, Shoemake said, a backdoor cold front will push through the eastern plains Friday night.
Temperatures will make a slight cool down into the weekend, with a surge of Pacific moisture for northern and western New Mexico Saturday and Saturday night. Lower elevation rain and mountain snow is possible.
High temperatures in the Albuquerque area will rise to around 60 degrees today through Friday under sunny to mostly sunny conditions. A chance for showers in the metro is forecast Saturday.
