Special Weather Statement

Above, Pyramid Rock. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, the National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement on the weekend's weather conditions:

...SIGNIFICANT CHANGE TO WINTRY WEATHER FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY... 

Tranquil weather conditions through Thursday will transition much
colder with strong winds, rain, and snow over much of New Mexico
Friday through Sunday. Computer models are in very good agreement
showing a line of rain and high terrain snow showers approaching
western New Mexico on Thursday evening. Rain and snow will change
over to all snow through Friday morning while moving east across
northern and central New Mexico. The focus for snow will shift to
the higher terrain through Friday afternoon. A few inches of snow
are expected with this first system, mainly along the Continental
Divide and the highest terrain of central New Mexico. Strong west
winds are also expected to impact parts of eastern New Mexico
where gusts may reach 45 to 50 mph Friday afternoon. 

The next system will arrive over western New Mexico Saturday then
shift across the entire area Sunday. The exact track and strength
of this second system is still uncertain however computer models
are hinting at a potential widespread winter storm for northern
and central New Mexico Saturday night and Sunday. The potential
exists for significant snowfall accumulations and blowing snow in
the higher terrain of northern New Mexico with lighter snowfall
over eastern New Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley. Much colder
temperatures with bitter cold wind chills are likely Sunday and
Monday. 

Those with travel or outdoor plans Friday through the weekend
should monitor the latest forecast at weather.gov/abq or your
preferred media outlet.