Breezy winds and rain chances to move across Albuquerque this weekend
A low pressure system approaches New Mexico with gusty conditions and isolated storms this weekend. These shifting patterns may impact morning events at Balloon Fiesta Park. Most of the state begins with dry conditions and temperatures near or slightly above average. A few showers have developed over the northern mountains.
Winds stay light from the south Saturday morning for the Mass Ascension. Stronger winds a few hundred feet above the ground could keep balloons grounded. A static display remains possible if launching conditions fail. Balloons that do launch will drift toward the north and northeast.
Saturday afternoon turns breezy across wide areas of the state. Isolated showers and thunderstorms will enter western and northern New Mexico. The Albuquerque Metro could see wind gusts reaching 20 mph.
Spotty showers remain possible Saturday evening. Nearby showers could briefly kick up wind gusts to 30 mph. Winds should calm around sunset.
Storms will spread into western, northern, and central regions Saturday night through Sunday morning. Albuquerque is expected to stay dry Sunday morning. Upper-level winds may still impact the final Mass Ascension of Balloon Fiesta. Surface winds will likely allow a static display.
Sunday afternoon brings the highest wind speeds of the weekend. Southwest gusts between 25 and 40 mph will spread across New Mexico. Some areas could see gusts reach 50 mph. Rain chances continue through Sunday evening.
Rain chances turn spotty on Monday and Tuesday. Winds remain breezy but stay lower than Sunday levels. A Pacific cold front will sweep across the state on Wednesday.
A cold front marks the boundary between two air masses with distinct temperatures and densities. These boundaries often create sudden wind shifts and drop local temperatures. The front may trigger brief scattered precipitation as it passes.
Showers could develop along the incoming front, though most areas will remain dry. Cooler air following the front will drop temperatures below average across Albuquerque and the state next week.
