BISMARCK, N.D. – Record and near-record high temperatures return Thursday afternoon. A cold front sends temperatures down somewhat on Friday before warming up again this weekend.
Temperatures in New Mexico continue to rise today, reaching as high as 5° to 10° over Tuesday afternoon levels. Dry air keeps the sky clear over the state today as well. Temperatures will again drop swiftly overnight, with frigid temperatures to begin the day Thursday, but record and near-record high temperatures are expected in the afternoon.
Albuquerque will even reach the 80s, while southern New Mexico will see the 90s. Winds may also pick up Thursday afternoon in northern sections of the state.
A weak cold front will pass over New Mexico Thursday night from the northeast. This front will drop high temperatures above 10° in eastern New Mexico on Friday afternoon, while the western half of the state will stay largely unaffected.
Even if the front is moving through, we will remain dry. Temperatures begin to rise again on Saturday, with record and near-record high temperatures expected over areas of the state on Sunday and Monday.
A storm system approaches New Mexico on Monday, bringing breezy afternoon winds across the state. The heaviest winds are expected to arrive Tuesday afternoon, with gusts of 35 to 50 mph or higher.
A cold front will move across New Mexico next Tuesday evening, sending temperatures down sharply by next Wednesday. Winds will die down next Wednesday, but we will be left with some of the coldest air of the season.
Unfortunately, it does not appear that it will bring much precipitation. Rain and heavy mountain snow are expected in southwest Colorado, but the majority of New Mexico will remain dry. Northern New Mexico could get an isolated shower and some mountain snowfall.
Reference:
Wind Chill Alerts to Get New Names This Winter From National Weather Service | Morse Code of Weather