Winds pick up as rain and storms approach Albuquerque area
Breezy conditions and incoming moisture will bring wet weather to the Albuquerque area this Sunday. Changing conditions will affect morning travel and outdoor events across the region. The morning started mild across the state with low temperatures falling into the 40s, 50s and 60s.
Winds reached 14 mph in western communities near Gallup and Grants. Calmer surface air settled over the city of Albuquerque, reaching at least 6 mph at the Sunport. Surface air also stayed light at Balloon Fiesta Park.
Conditions aloft proved much stronger. Speeds reached near 20 mph or higher at 750 feet and above. Those elevated currents prompted officials to issue a yellow flag early Sunday morning.
Upper-level winds will strengthen across the Desert Southwest and parts of the state throughout Sunday. Gusts at the surface will blow hardest in western New Mexico, where speeds could reach 45 mph. Across other areas, gusts may range between 25 and 40 mph.
Moisture will stream into the region alongside the stronger upper-level air. This flow will bring rainfall and rumbles of thunder. Western, northern and central sections hold the best chances for receiving measurable rain.
Precipitation remains possible for the Albuquerque metro area on Sunday afternoon. High temperatures will reach the 70s and 80s across most locations. Eddy County could see readings hit the low 90s.
Elevated upper-level winds will persist through at least Wednesday. These currents will create breezy conditions across Monday and Tuesday, though speeds will ease slightly on Monday.
A yellow flag serves as a caution signal for outdoor aviation events and balloon pilots. Surface and upper wind measurements help event coordinators determine safe flight windows. Cooler air masses typically follow advancing frontal systems across the Southwest.
Frontal boundaries will bring cooler conditions later this week to the state. A backdoor cold front arriving by Thursday into Friday could generate gusty winds and lower daytime highs.
