Drier and hotter weather is heading into New Mexico, but afternoon thunderstorms are still possible in some areas. Storms could potentially bring heavy rains and create flash flooding.
Thursday afternoon, heavy rain poured on the Ruidoso region burn scars, creating flash flooding in the Upper Canyon and as far as Hollywood. Flood floods receded later this afternoon. Storms also brought heavy rain to the Trout Fire burn scar area in the Gila. Other portions of southern New Mexico, as well as the central mountain chain, have seen showers and thunderstorms today. All of these storms finished tonight.
Scattered to isolated thunderstorms are expected to persist across southern and eastern New Mexico, as well as the northern mountains, this weekend. West-central, northwest, and central New Mexico will remain largely dry. Temperatures will rise throughout the weekend, with highs approaching or exceeding average for this time of year by Sunday.
A burst of monsoon moisture will return to New Mexico on Monday next week. This will enhance the likelihood of rain and thunderstorms. By Tuesday, rain chances will be practically statewide, with locally heavy rains expected, particularly in southern and southeast New Mexico.
