Residents of western New Mexico should prepare for the possibility of heavy rain and flooding over the next two days. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch that remains in effect until Friday morning, covering the Four Corners area and the western portion of the state.
What the forecast shows
The surge of tropical moisture, commonly called the Pineapple Express, is moving eastward from the Central Pacific and Hawaii. A strong Pacific low‑pressure system is funneling this humid air toward Arizona and New Mexico, placing western New Mexico directly in the path of the moisture plume.
Rain and thunderstorms have already increased overnight in Arizona and the Four Corners region. While most of the precipitation is expected to stay west of the state today, Albuquerque has a slight chance of an isolated storm later this afternoon.
Day‑by‑day outlook
Thursday: Rain is forecast to shift eastward during the later‑day hours, moving into central New Mexico. By 7 p.m. and later, Albuquerque could see higher rain probabilities, and the risk of severe weather is also expected to move into the central part of the state.
Friday: The area with the greatest chance for rain and thunderstorms will move further east, affecting central and eastern New Mexico. The threat of heavy rain, possible flooding, and severe weather will continue to linger.
Weekend: Confidence in the forecast improves for Saturday, which is now expected to be more active than earlier predictions suggested. Scattered thunderstorms are likely across central and especially eastern New Mexico. Rain chances will drop off on Sunday, with Monday and Tuesday looking dry.
Safety tips
Authorities advise residents in the watch area to stay alert for flash‑flood warnings, avoid driving through flooded roadways, and secure outdoor items that could be moved by strong winds. Keep an eye on local weather updates and be prepared to act quickly if conditions worsen.
For the most current information, follow the National Weather Service alerts and local news outlets.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
