Rain and snow showers continue for western New Mexico this afternoon. At the same time, strong wind gusts are bringing blowing dust to southern New Mexico.
A low pressure system has dropped into Arizona this afternoon. The proximity of the low is bringing isolated to scattered rain and snow showers across northern and western New Mexico. The heaviest snowfall will be coming later this afternoon and overnight. The heaviest snowfall is expected in northwest and northeast New Mexico. On Saturday the snowfall will lighten but remain heavy over the mountains. Icy roadways and closures are possible along mountain passes an interstates. The National Weather Service has also issued several Winter Weather Advisories and Warning for the anticipated snowfall. This alerts will be in place through Saturday March 8th.
Along with the precipitation, the low pressure is drawing strong southwesterly flow over eastern New Mexico. This flow is bringing warm and dry air into the region. The result is temperatures in the 70’s. Compared to the 50’s and 40’s seen across the rest of the state. Far southeastern New Mexico has the ingredients for critical fire weather. However, no alerts have been issued as of 12:30 p.m. Friday March 7th.
The strong southwesterly flow is also bringing strong wind gusts to southern New Mexico. Though not as strong as we have seen earlier in the week. The National Weather Service has issues a Wind Advisory for parts of southern New Mexico. Gusts could reach upwards of 50 mph. The advisory will be in effect until 7 p.m. Friday March 7th. With strong wind gusts come blowing dust. There is a Blowing Dust Advisory over southern New Mexico today as well. This advisory will expire at 7 p.m. Friday March 7th.
The low pressure system will move out of the state by Sunday afternoon. Making way for a high pressure system to move into the four corners. This high pressure system will bring a rapid warm up Sunday afternoon. It will also bring sunnier and calmer weather through early next week. By the end of next week another potential storm system could be moving into New Mexico.