NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Spring-like conditions with snowmelt and mostly calm winds are in store today before the next storm system as while most northwestern areas are at or below the freezing mark, most areas from the Rio Grande Valley to the south and east are starting off milder with westerly winds sinking down the east slopes of the Central Mountains, creating a warmer start in the East Highlands compared to some of the counterpart valley-floor locations.
Cloud-free skies will continue for almost all areas for most of today as above-normal temperatures will be present for all with afternoon temperatures in the 60s and 70s for most, still a bit chilly still in some the Northern Mountains, but near 80 degrees in parts of eastern to southern communities of New Mexico with a bit of a breeze.
More-unstable atmospheric conditions in the form of a low pressure system will start to approach the Southwest tomorrow then through northern areas of New Mexico by the middle of the week with some rain and wet snow showers being accompanied by stronger winds throughout the rest of the state, but the next stronger storm system late this week will provide a drop in temperatures with even stronger winds as while areas to the south will remain mostly dry with the higher fire threat being accompanied blowing dust, westerns areas through central to northern areas will have more precipitation with some blowing snow in the higher elevations.