NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Calmer conditions have briefly returned this morning with not only the much calmer winds, but also with clearer skies and still dry air, allowing for a colder start for most with temperatures below the freezing mark for the northwestern majority of the region, but temperatures will rise today out in front of our next windy storm system with more precipitation for many after the fire threat eventually increases again.
High pressure will allow for temperatures to rise from this morning into the afternoon to at least 30-50 degrees with most reaching the 50s and 60s, but some areas in the Northern Mountains will reach the 40s while a few areas in South New Mexico will at least reach 70 degrees. Northerly to westerly winds may gust up to 40 mph at most in the East Highlands, as well as in the higher elevations, but it will generally be a much calmer afternoon, but clouds with some valley rain with mountain snow will start to approach the Four Corners with wispy clouds moving across most of the region late today.
Dangerous wind gusts with dust will then return tomorrow with the higher fire threat to southern and eastern areas of New Mexico with initially mostly warmer air than today, but then, more moisture with the incoming low pressure system will lead to more-widespread precipitation cooling things down with eventually wet snow accumulations in many parts of the Western Mountains, Rio Grande Valley, Central Mountains, through Eastern New Mexico, while heavier snow will fall in the Northern Mountains.