Albuquerque is waking up to mostly cloudy skies and temperatures around 59 degrees Saturday, but the bigger story is what is moving in next: a day of showers, thunderstorms and possible flooding. The high should reach about 68 degrees, with the steadiest rain and storm activity expected from late morning through the afternoon.
Flash Flood Watch Covers Albuquerque Through Saturday Night
A Flash Flood Watch is in effect from 6 a.m. Saturday through early Sunday as repeated downpours could send water into arroyos, low-lying areas and poor-drainage streets. The National Weather Service says rainfall rates could briefly exceed an inch per hour in stronger storms, while heavier totals are possible in parts of the Albuquerque area.
Saturday's forecast calls for showers and thunderstorms before 3 p.m., followed by a continued chance of storms through the evening. Winds should run between 5 and 10 mph, shifting from north to south, but thunderstorms may produce stronger, erratic outflow winds along with large hail and, in isolated cases, a tornado.
Storm Risk Lingers Into Saturday Night
Showers and thunderstorms are likely Saturday night, with a low near 50 degrees and a 70% chance of precipitation. Roads may remain slick after dark, and drivers should avoid flooded crossings rather than trying to judge whether the water looks passable.
Sunday Starts Damp Before Turning Brighter
Sunday brings only a slight chance of showers before 9 a.m., followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 68 degrees. Sunday night should be partly cloudy with a low around 45 and just a small chance of another shower or thunderstorm before midnight.
Clearer, Warmer Weather Arrives Next Week
Monday should be mostly sunny with a high near 68, followed by sunny skies and highs close to 70 on Tuesday and Wednesday. Temperatures will cool into the mid-40s overnight, while a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms returns Thursday and Friday.
For Saturday plans, the safest bet is to keep outdoor activities flexible, monitor warnings and head indoors at the first sound of thunder. Even a short-lived storm can bring flash-flood risks.
