NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Despite some weakening showers moving east of Union County and occasional northerly wind gusts moving south along I-40 east of Albuquerque, calm weather enchants the Land of Enchantment this morning with mostly clear skies and slightly warmer air to start. While the atmosphere has become significantly drier aloft, it is still somewhat moist at the surface, but that moisture will continue to move east as a high pressure system moves in, bringing with it not only drier air but also higher afternoon temperatures.

Forecast continues below

Morning temperatures will still be relatively close to normal for many, starting around 3 degrees in some northern mountain communities but mostly in the 4 degrees, 5 degrees and 6 degrees, while temperatures in the valleys will mostly be in the 10s to 21s. With temperatures throughout the region rising to 25, 25, 30 degrees from the morning school run through the afternoon and a few degrees above 38 degrees in some southern areas, less moisture in the air and lots of warming during the day will result in only a few areas throughout the observation area getting rain. The southern and eastern corners of the region have the best chance of rain today, with flash flooding unlikely to occur, although a few showers with possible thunderstorms will occur in the early to mid afternoon hours around Ruidoso. Isolated, weak, slow-moving showers will bring possible thunderstorms in the northern mountains and Gila National Forest.

With stagnant air moving across New Mexico, moisture will only settle in the region’s east and mountains while drier air from the west will push through, bringing more sunshine and record-breaking heat for some people.

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