Santa Fe, NM – New Mexico is in for a sweltering week as monsoon moisture retreats and temperatures surge across much of the state. While the reduced rainfall may ease flood risks temporarily, heat-related dangers are set to climb, with forecasters warning of major to extreme impacts through the end of the week.
Monsoon Relief Brings a New Threat: Heat
Last week, parts of New Mexico saw heavy rainfall from monsoon storms — including flood rescues in Ruidoso and sidewalk damage in Santa Fe. But according to Randall Hergert, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, those storms are expected to taper off over the coming days.
“It’s going to be a hot one,” Hergert said during a Monday weather briefing.
While the rain did provide some drought relief in the Pecos River basin, much of the state remains in severe to exceptional drought, especially in southwestern New Mexico, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report.
Dangerous Heat Expected Statewide
As the skies dry out, temperatures are expected to soar well above seasonal norms. Hergert warned of a “major heat-related impact risk” through Saturday, which could affect people of all ages without adequate cooling or hydration.
- Tuesday: Continued heat across the state with isolated dry thunderstorms possible in western New Mexico.
- Wednesday: Temperatures continue to rise; scattered dry thunderstorms may spark wildfires, especially in western and northern areas.
- Thursday: Forecast highs of 105°F in Roswell and 95°F in Santa Fe. Extreme heat risks predicted for southern areas including Deming and Las Cruces.
- Friday: Little relief in sight with triple-digit temperatures possible in Albuquerque.
- Weekend: Slight dip in temperatures and a modest return of afternoon storms, mainly over high terrain.
Fire Risk from Dry Lightning
With the decrease in rainfall, dry thunderstorms — where rain evaporates before reaching the ground — pose a unique threat.
“That weather phenomenon can threaten strong and erratic gusty winds and maybe a dry lightning strike,” Hergert explained.
These dry lightning strikes can ignite wildfires, especially in forested or drought-stricken areas, and will remain a concern in western New Mexico through midweek.
Read Also: Phoenix Could Tie All-Time August Heat Record as Temperatures Near 118 Degrees This Week
Infrastructure and Health Concerns Mount
The extreme heat expected in southern and central New Mexico could significantly impact public health systems, infrastructure, and heat-sensitive industries.
Hergert emphasized the need for caution, especially as schools resume across the state:
“Definitely we need to be mindful of that heat risk, and let’s not underestimate Mother Nature and heat this week.”
He also urged residents to never leave children or pets in vehicles, a fatal mistake that becomes more likely during early back-to-school commutes.
Looking Ahead
By Sunday, conditions may ease slightly, with moderate heat risks expected and a better chance of thunderstorms returning to the central mountain chain. Some storms may produce slow-moving, heavy rainfall, particularly over burn scar areas, bringing a renewed risk of localized flash flooding.
Have you experienced the effects of New Mexico’s heat wave or recent monsoon rains? Share your story or safety tips in the comments at newyorkdailygazette.com and help others prepare.
