NM expects hot week, weekend rain

Theresa Davis, Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
·2 min read

Jun. 21—ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The extreme heat will continue this week across New Mexico.

But the weekend could bring much-needed rain, said Alyssa Clements, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Albuquerque.

"The good news is by the time we head into this weekend, we're looking at some real heat relief and an increase in thunderstorm and shower activity, with some real chances for beneficial rainfall," Clements said.

Albuquerque is expected to reach a high temperature of 97 degrees on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the metro area could hit 98 degrees.

Scattered thunderstorms will favor the state's high-elevation areas for the first part of the week.

Gusty winds and lightning could accompany the storms.

Eastern New Mexico temperatures will skyrocket on Wednesday.

Tucumcari may reach a high of 106 on Wednesday, and Roswell could hit 105 degrees.

Albuquerque could record a high of 96 degrees on Thursday and 95 on Friday.

Temperatures will cool down slightly this weekend.

"It's still going to remain hot," Clements said. "But there is going to be this cold front approaching the area by the time we get into Friday night. And this is going to move pretty quickly through central New Mexico and eastern New Mexico."

Albuquerque has a 40% chance of precipitation on Saturday and a projected high of 90 degrees.

On Sunday, the metro area has a 30% chance of precipitation and a forecast of 89 degrees.

Northern and eastern New Mexico have even better chances of rain this weekend.

Statewide temperatures for the past weeks have closed in on several heat records.

Farmington recorded eight straight days of triple digit temperatures, the city's second-longest streak in history.

Monday's high of 98 degrees in Farmington finally broke that streak.

Santa Fe's June 14th temperature of 102 degrees tied the city's all-time record.

Meteorologist Scott Overpeck said the extreme temperatures mean that residents should drink plenty of water, seek air conditioning and shade, and never leave people or pets in a hot car.

"Check the backseat, do whatever it takes if you're out and about running errands," Overpeck said. "Make sure you stay aware."

Theresa Davis is a Report for America corps member covering water and the environment for the Albuquerque Journal.