Flash Flood Threat Continues Friday Across New Mexico
New Mexico is bracing for another round of afternoon thunderstorms on Friday, just a day after over 20 Flash Flood Warnings were issued across the state. Communities are still recovering from Thursday’s heavy rain, which brought flash flooding to burn scar areas near Ruidoso and dropped more than 2 inches of rain in parts of southern Rio Rancho, triggering flood alerts in the Albuquerque Metro.
The National Weather Service warns that Friday’s storms will once again bring the potential for heavy rainfall and dangerous flash flooding, especially in northeast New Mexico, where some strong to severe storms are also possible.
Weekend Forecast: Drying Out, But Heat Surges
Starting Saturday, the storm pattern begins to shift. While northern and northeastern New Mexico—along with southern mountain peaks—may still see isolated afternoon storms, most areas will begin drying out. However, this comes at a cost: temperatures will rise significantly, with many parts of southern New Mexico expected to hit triple digits by Sunday.
Triple-Digit Heat to Dominate Early Next Week
Looking into early next week, hot and dry weather will dominate the forecast. A prolonged stretch of triple-digit heat is expected across southern New Mexico, with temperatures approaching or even breaking records in some areas. While most of the state will stay dry, mountain areas may see a pop-up storm or two through midweek.
By Wednesday, there’s a slight increase in isolated afternoon storm chances, but the heat is expected to persist, creating ongoing risks for heat-related illness and wildfire dangers, especially in already dry areas.
Stay Weather Aware
With flash flood risks continuing into Friday and extreme heat on the horizon, residents are urged to:
- Monitor local forecasts and weather alerts
- Avoid flood-prone areas during storms
- Stay hydrated and avoid prolonged outdoor activity during peak heat hours
The shift from flood risk to extreme heat highlights New Mexico’s volatile late summer weather, requiring ongoing vigilance from both residents and emergency responders.