New Mexico gets a light rain and snow forecast for Friday
A weak Pacific system will bring brief showers to the western and southern parts of the state, with most areas receiving less than a quarter inch of precipitation.
By Ibrahim Howard ·
A weak storm system will cross New Mexico on Friday, bringing light showers to parts of the state. Most communities are forecast to receive one-quarter inch of rain or less. The weather pattern is expected to remain mild, with no severe weather impacts anticipated.
The disturbance originates from a Pacific system moving into Arizona. It is developing into a small upper-level low as it approaches the Southwest. This system provides enough lift to generate showers, though it carries limited moisture overall.
Showers are expected to begin in western New Mexico during the early Friday afternoon. Areas with the best chance of precipitation include Silver City, Reserve, the Gila region, Gallup, and Grants. The western mountains will also see activity. Most of this rainfall will be light, with occasional thunder rumbles possible due to some instability.
By Friday evening, the rain will move east and southeast. Socorro, Mountainair, and the south-central mountains will see better chances. The system will also affect Ruidoso, Carrizozo, and parts of southern New Mexico. The Albuquerque metro area sits on the northern edge of the system, so rain chances there will be lower than in the south.
Snow levels will sit between 8,500 and 9,500 feet. The highest peaks in southern New Mexico, including the Sacramento Mountains and areas around Ruidoso and Cloudcroft, may see some snow. Accumulation will likely stay light, with most high-elevation locations receiving a dusting or a few tenths of an inch.
The storm will continue moving south by Saturday morning. Western and central New Mexico will begin to dry out. A few lingering showers may remain in the southeast, affecting Roswell, Artesia, Carlsbad, and Hobbs, before fading later in the day.
