New Mexico braces for widespread rain ahead

Widespread rain is forecast across New Mexico, with thunderstorms expected to develop across most of the state and temperatures running near seasonal averages. Storm activity is set to build through the week as weather systems draw Pacific moisture into the region.

Isolated pockets of showers and some storms have already moved into parts of the mountains and nearby areas, including parts of the Rio Grande Valley. The air has been relatively mild, with high humidity and occasional gusts of wind.

Most of the state is starting off at least slightly milder than average. Northern areas are mostly ranging from the high 40s to the low 60s. Elsewhere to the south, air temperatures are mostly ranging from around the upper 50s to the low 70s.

High temperatures will not be as hot, with most areas seeing the potential for some rain. Region-wide afternoon temperatures will be within several degrees on either side of average for most with the cooldown. Most from eastern New Mexico to the Pecos River Valley area will range from the high 60s to 90s from north-northwest to south-southeast from high to low elevation. The northern higher elevations will mostly range in the 50s, while the northern valley floors to western and central areas will mostly range from the high 60s to near 90°.

Scattered to widespread thunderstorms will form across a vast majority of the mountains through western to northern communities, some parts of the Rio Grande Valley through the East Plains, as well as some parts of southern New Mexico through the Pecos River Valley.

Storms are capable of heavy downpours, some hail, very erratic wind gusts, and frequent lightning strikes.

Flooding rain will be even more likely later this week with relatively mild air. High pressure east of the region moving closer to New Mexico, combining with an upper-level disturbance to the northwest moving east, will strengthen the pipeline of Pacific moisture, fueling rounds of storms ahead.