Ad
NWS: Dangerous weather mix moving in Sunday
Dark clouds form around the Sandia Mountains overlooking NM 528 just after 1:30 p.m. on Friday, June 17, 2022. (Matt Hollinshead/Observer)
A mix of heavy snow, rain, wind and thunderstorms will impact most of central New Mexico March 24.
According to a special weather statement released by the Albuquerque National Weather Service, a powerful cold front surging east into western New Mexico will create a period of moderate to locally heavy snow through mid-morning.
Locations along the I-40 corridor and U.S. 550 will experience rapidly deteriorating weather conditions with snow, blowing snow and low visibility. This band of snow will march quickly east into central New Mexico and impact the Albuquerque and Santa Fe metro areas by mid- to late morning.
Rain may mix with snow at times in the Rio Grande Valley. The East Mountain communities will also see a period of snow this morning with low visibility and brief travel disruptions expected along I-40 through Tijeras Canyon. Snowfall accumulations will be brief, but a quick 1-2 inches is possible above 6,500 feet before melting early this afternoon.
Strong west winds will then develop in the wake of the storm with widespread gusts of 40-50 mph possible through the afternoon. Snow showers and isolated thunderstorms are also expected to move quickly east across parts of central and western New Mexico this afternoon. Folks planning travel or outdoor activities today should remain alert to rapidly changing weather conditions. Secure loose and lightweight outdoor objects in preparation for the stronger winds.
Rio Rancho’s forecast for March 24
Day: Rain showers likely before 3 p.m., then a slight chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. Breezy, with a west wind 10-15 mph, increasing to 20-25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Night: A slight chance of rain and snow showers before midnight, then a slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Breezy, with a west wind 20-25 mph, decreasing to 15-20 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
