Spring-like storm headed for New Mexico this weekend amid drier season

While a groundhog known for its weather predictions anticipated six more weeks of frigid winter, New Mexican prairie dogs may be seeing things differently.

A Pacific storm system pushing in from the west will bring rain Friday and Saturday, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Matt DeMaria, but highs in Albuquerque will stay above 50 degrees. Above-average temperatures have made this the second-warmest start of the year since 1907.

"The main period of precipitation is going to be Friday afternoon through late Friday night," he said. "We're looking at a pretty warm system overall, especially for this time of year. It's going to feel like more of a spring storm than a winter storm."

Temperatures over the weekend in Albuquerque and farther south are forecast to range from the upper 50s to the low 60s, with similar temps expected in Santa Fe and the northern mountains. Northern New Mexico, including Chama and Raton, will see slightly lower temperatures than Santa Fe.

DeMaria said rain showers are forecast to drop up to a quarter inch in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Winter lovers will be pleased to know that there could be snowfall at higher elevations, primarily near ski resorts and mountain passes.

The Sangre de Cristo Mountains are forecast to receive the most snowfall, with areas near the Taos Ski Valley and Ski Santa Fe expected to see up to 8 inches. Angel Fire and Sipapu ski resorts will not see as much of the white stuff, with up to 2 inches expected, DeMaria said.

"But in general, the snow levels are going to be quite high," DeMaria said. "Areas that don't typically get rain this time of year will be getting rain."

He said more storms are possible over the next few weeks that could bring moisture to the state, though it does not appear that they will be accompanied by low enough temps for snowfall.

DeMaria said due to temperatures being significantly higher than average this winter, New Mexico can expect a longer-than-normal fire season, which usually runs from early May through June.

Current snowpack levels are significantly lower than they have been in the past, and DeMaria described the conditions as "very, very poor." He added that with minimal snowfall, many water basins in New Mexico are 50% below average.

"In this event, it's not going to really do much to improve the water outlook for the spring," he said of the coming storm. "It's going to make a tiny dent. We'll take what we can get, but it's really not going to do much to increase the snowpack."

Nakayla McClelland covers crime and breaking news. Reach her at nmcclelland@abqjournal.com or at 505-823-3857.