A potent upper level low pressure system will drop into Arizona Friday into Saturday before lifting north of New Mexico on Sunday. This system will bring in significant moisture and strong thunderstorms to the eastern plains of New Mexico while spreading colder air and rain and snow showers to northwestern and north central areas of the state. Repeated rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms are expected in the eastern plains each day Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Storms will be capable of producing very heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, damaging winds and large hail. Areas of flash flooding will also be possible in these eastern areas of the state, and perhaps on the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon wildfire burn scar too. Colder temperatures will also begin spilling into far western New Mexico Friday night, advancing farther east over the state each day through Sunday night. Many locations will observe their coldest temperatures of the season thus far, and a few areas will dip below freezing for the fist time this fall. The colder temperatures will lower snow levels with light amounts expected over the western mountains and highlands of New Mexico while the northern peaks of the state receive a few to several inches of accumulation, mainly above 9,000 feet. Breezy to windy conditions will also arrive, especially on Friday over the southwestern to central areas of the state. Blowing dust may develop in vulnerable lower elevation areas. Residents and travelers of New Mexico are urged to stay tuned to the latest weather forecast at weather.gov/abq or through your preferred media outlet. Any follow up statements, advisories, watches or warnings can also be found from these sources.
