Storms, fire danger expected this week
May 17—ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — After a stormy start, New Mexico's weather this week will include scattered rain showers, warm temperatures, and elevated fire danger.
The National Weather Service office in Albuquerque received reports of two landspout tornadoes on Monday, said meteorologist Daniel Porter.
The phenomenon, which is weaker than a typical tornado, forms from the ground up.
"One was southwest of Santa Fe ... and then the other one was northeast of Socorro late (Monday) morning," Porter said.
A shifting storm system also prompted tornado watches and severe thunderstorm warnings across eastern New Mexico on Monday.
Tuesday will likely be the coolest day of the week, with showers and thunderstorms favoring the northern half of the state.
"We can't totally rule out the threat for severe weather potential," Porter said. "Maybe small hail, maybe some gusty outflow winds, but it won't be anything compared to (Monday)."
Albuquerque is expected to have a high of 72 degrees and a 20% chance of precipitation on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, the city's forecast shows a mostly sunny day with a high of 81 degrees and 10% chance of rain.
Meteorologist Scott Overpeck said storm activity will start to trend downward on Thursday.
"Temperatures will rebound on Thursday, with high temperatures getting into the mid-80s through the central Rio Grande valley," Overpeck said.
Albuquerque is expected to have a high temperature of 84 degrees on Thursday.
Critical fire weather conditions will return this weekend as temperatures and wind speeds rise across western and central New Mexico.
Albuquerque may reach temperatures in the mid-80s this weekend, with a 20% chance of precipitation on both Saturday and Sunday.
Theresa Davis is a Report for America corps member covering water and the environment for the Albuquerque Journal.
