Central New Mexico Weather: 10/1/22

Yesterday was warm and mostly sunny here in Socorro.

Today is sunny and mild here in Rio Rancho. My weather station in Rio Rancho says:

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Rio Rancho, NM) a sunny day, with a high temperature of 79 F. The winds will be from the south at 5-10 mph. This evening will be partly cloudy, with a 20% chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms and a low temperature of 55 F. The winds will be from the south at 5-10 mph, becoming northerly after midnight.

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Socorro, NM) a sunny day, with a high temperature of 80 F. The winds will be from the south at 10-15 mph. This evening will be partly cloudy, with a low temperature of 54 F. The winds will be from the south at 10-15 mph, decreasing to 5-10 mph after midnight.

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Magdalena, NM) a mostly sunny day, with a 20% chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms and a high temperature of 72 F. The winds will be from the south at 10-15 mph. This evening will be partly cloudy, with a 20% chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms and a low temperature of 50 F. The winds will be from the south at 5-15 mph.

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Mountainair, NM) a mostly sunny day, with a 20% chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms and a high temperature of 73 F. The winds will be from the south at 10-15 mph. This evening will be partly cloudy, with a low temperature of 48 F. The winds will be from the southeast at 10-15 mph, decreasing to 5-10 mph after midnight.

The visible satellite imagery shows convection over the western half of the state. There is a relatively healthy cumulus field in place.

The upper-level water vapor imagery shows that there has been some moisture return aloft. The upper-level high over Idaho is pulling moisture through our region.

The 12Z upper air sounding from Albuquerque, NM, shows a warm, moderately humid atmosphere. There was 0.65 inches of precipitable water present in the column this morning. There was no Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE), and no Convective Inhibition (CINH). The Lifted Condensation Level (LCL) was 1402 m. There was a small thermal inversion and the 0-3 km lapse rate was 6.3 C/km. The hodograph shows that the low-level shear was 10 kts (due mostly to directional changes) and the deep-layer shear was 12 kts (due mostly to speed changes).

The SPC Mesoscale Analysis Surface Map shows warm, moderately dry weather, with sunny skies over the state (according to the sensors). The winds are light and variable.

The SPC Mesoscale Analysis Pressure Map shows no strong pressure systems or gradients. The RAP shows pressure is expected to drop everywhere due to diurnal heating, with no strong pressure gradients expected to develop.

The NAM 250 mb chart shows light, variable flow over the state today.

The NAM 700 mb and 850 mb charts show no strong thermal advection over the state today. These charts have been excluded from today’s post.

The Nested NAM simulated reflectivity chart shows showers and thunderstorms are possible this afternoon.

The Nested NAM precipitation chart shows that rain will be possible, favoring the northwestern quadrant of the state.

The Nested NAM temperature chart predicts that the high temperatures for the middle Rio Grande River Valley will reach the lower 80s F.

The Nested NAM also predicts shows the low temperatures are expected to drop into the lower 60s F.

The Nested NAM dewpoint chart shows that the dewpoints will remain in the 40s F, though the northwestern corner and a few pockets near the central mountain range climbing into the 50s F range.

The Nested NAM wind prediction chart shows strong winds are unlikely. This chart has been excluded from today’s post.

The Nested NAM simulated infrared chart shows a few, light clouds are possible this afternoon and evening, particularly over the western half of the state, but a few along the central mountain range as well.

The high pressure system is blocking some of the surface moisture flow and limiting convection today, once again.

I will commute via bus and train to and from Socorro today. Otherwise, I’ll mostly remain indoors.

The forecasts from the National Weather Service are from The NWS Homepage. The upper air soundings and mesoscale analysis plots are from the Storm Prediction Center website. The satellite data, model data, and forecasted soundings are from College of DuPage – SATRAD

Central New Mexico Weather: 9/30/22

Yesterday was warm and mostly sunny here in Socorro and Magdalena.

My weather station in Rio Rancho says:

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Rio Rancho, NM) a mostly sunny day, with a high temperature of 81 F. The winds will be from the north at 5-10 mph. This evening will be mostly clear, with a low temperature of 54 F. The winds will be from the south at 5-10 mph, becoming easterly after midnight.

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Socorro, NM) a mostly sunny day, with a high temperature of 81 F. The winds will be from the east at 5-10 mph. This evening will be partly cloudy, with a low temperature of 55 F. The winds will be from the south at 5-10 mph.

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Magdalena, NM) a mostly sunny day, with a high temperature of 74 F. The winds will be from the south at 5-15 mph. This evening will be partly cloudy, with a low temperature of 50 F. The winds will be from the south at 5-15 mph, becoming southwesterly after midnight.

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Mountainair, NM) a mostly sunny day, with a high temperature of 74 F. The winds will be from the southwest at 5-10 mph. This evening will be mostly clear, with a low temperature of 49 F. The winds will be from the south at 5-10 mph.

The visible satellite imagery is unavailable at this time. The enhanced infrared imagery shows a few, light clouds in the south and west.

The upper-level water vapor imagery shows that there has been some moisture return aloft. The upper-level high over Idaho is pulling moisture through our region.

The 12Z upper air sounding from Albuquerque, NM, is unavailable at this time.

The SPC Mesoscale Analysis Surface Map shows cool, moderately dry weather, with sunny skies over the state (according to the sensors). The winds are light and variable.

The SPC Mesoscale Analysis Pressure Map shows higher pressure over most of the state so far this morning, with no strong pressure gradients. The RAP shows pressure is expected to drop everywhere due to diurnal heating, with no strong pressure gradients expected to develop.

The NAM 250 mb chart shows light, variable flow over the state today.

The NAM 700 mb and 850 mb charts show no strong thermal advection over the state today. These charts have been excluded from today’s post.

The Nested NAM simulated reflectivity chart shows showers and thunderstorms are unlikely today. This chart and the precipitation chart have been excluded from today’s post.

The Nested NAM temperature chart predicts that the high temperatures for the middle Rio Grande River Valley will reach the lower 80s F.

The Nested NAM also predicts shows the low temperatures are expected to drop into the upper 50s F.

The Nested NAM dewpoint chart shows that the dewpoints will remain in the 30s F today.

The Nested NAM wind prediction chart shows strong winds are unlikely. This chart has been excluded from today’s post.

The Nested NAM simulated infrared chart shows a few, light clouds are possible this afternoon and evening, particularly over the western half of the state.

The high pressure system is blocking some of the surface moisture flow and limiting convection today, once again.

I will commute via bus and train to and from Socorro today. Otherwise, I’ll mostly remain indoors.

The forecasts from the National Weather Service are from The NWS Homepage. The upper air soundings and mesoscale analysis plots are from the Storm Prediction Center website. The satellite data, model data, and forecasted soundings are from College of DuPage – SATRAD

Central New Mexico Weather: 9/29/22

Yesterday was warm and mostly sunny here in Socorro and Magdalena.

My weather station in Rio Rancho says:

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Rio Rancho, NM) a mostly sunny day, with a high temperature of 81 F. The winds will be from the south at 5-10 mph. This evening will be partly cloudy, with a low temperature of 52 F. The winds will be from the south at 5-10 mph.

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Socorro, NM) a mostly sunny day, with a high temperature of 82 F. The winds will be from the north at 5-10 mph. This evening will be mostly cloudy, with a low temperature of 52 F. The winds will be from the south at 5-10 mph.

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Magdalena, NM) a mostly sunny day, with a high temperature of 74 F. The winds will be from the east at 5-10 mph. This evening will be mostly cloudy, with a low temperature of 49 F. The winds will be from the southwest at 5-15 mph.

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Mountainair, NM) a mostly sunny day, with a high temperature of 76 F. The winds will be from the south at 5-10 mph. This evening will be mostly cloudy, with a low temperature of 48 F. The winds will be from the southwest at 5-10 mph.

The visible satellite imagery is unavailable at this time. The enhanced infrared imagery shows a few, light clouds along the western border.

The upper-level water vapor imagery shows that there has been some moisture return aloft, with the moisture plume drifting slightly eastward as compared to yesterday.

The 12Z upper air sounding from Albuquerque, NM, is unavailable at this time.

The SPC Mesoscale Analysis Surface Map shows cool, moderately dry weather, with sunny skies over the northern tier of counties (according to the sensors). The winds are light and variable.

The SPC Mesoscale Analysis Pressure Map shows high pressure over most of the state so far this morning, with no strong pressure gradients. The RAP shows pressure is expected to drop everywhere due to diurnal heating, with no strong pressure gradients expected to develop.

The NAM 250 mb chart shows light, variable flow over the state today.

The NAM 700 mb and 850 mb charts show no strong thermal advection over the state today. These charts have been excluded from today’s post.

The Nested NAM simulated reflectivity chart shows showers and thunderstorms are unlikely today. This chart and the precipitation chart have been excluded from today’s post.

The Nested NAM temperature chart predicts that the high temperatures for the middle Rio Grande River Valley will reach the upper 70s F.

The Nested NAM also predicts shows the low temperatures are expected to drop into the upper 50s F.

The Nested NAM dewpoint chart shows that the dewpoints will remain in the 30s F today.

The Nested NAM wind prediction chart shows strong winds are unlikely. This chart has been excluded from today’s post.

The Nested NAM simulated infrared chart shows a few, light clouds are possible this afternoon and evening, particularly over the western half of the state.

The high pressure system is blocking some of the surface moisture flow and limiting convection today, once again.

I will likely spend the whole day inside at Magdalena, though I will probably commute home this evening to Rio Rancho.

The forecasts from the National Weather Service are from The NWS Homepage. The upper air soundings and mesoscale analysis plots are from the Storm Prediction Center website. The satellite data, model data, and forecasted soundings are from College of DuPage – SATRAD

Central New Mexico Weather: 9/28/22

Yesterday was warm and sunny here in Socorro.

Today, the weather is sunny and mild here in Rio Rancho. My weather station in Rio Rancho says:

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Rio Rancho, NM) a sunny day, with a high temperature of 82 F. The winds will be from the south at 5-10 mph. This evening will be partly cloudy, with a low temperature of 54 F. The winds will be from the south at 5-10 mph.

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Socorro, NM) a sunny day, with a high temperature of 84 F. The winds will be from the northeast at 5-10 mph, becoming southerly in the afternoon. This evening will be mostly clear, with a low temperature of 52 F. The winds will be from the south at 5-10 mph.

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Magdalena, NM) a sunny day, with a high temperature of 75 F. The winds will be from the northwest at 5-10 mph, becoming southeasterly in the afternoon. This evening will be mostly clear, with a low temperature of 48 F. The winds will be from the south at 5-15 mph.

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Mountainair, NM) a sunny day, with a high temperature of 78 F. The winds will be from the southwest at 5-15 mph, becoming southeasterly in the afternoon. This evening will be mostly clear, with a low temperature of 47 F. The winds will be from the south at 5-15 mph, becoming southwesterly after midnight.

The visible satellite imagery shows very few clouds over the state today. This chart has been excluded from today’s post.

The upper-level water vapor imagery shows that there has been some moisture return aloft, though the deepest moisture is still to the west over Arizona. However, the interesting feature is the battle between Hurricane Ian and the jetstream in the east.

The 12Z upper air sounding from Albuquerque, NM, shows a moderately humid atmosphere. There was 0.63 inches of precipitable water present in the column this morning. There was no Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE), and no Convective Inhibition (CINH). The Lifted Condensation Level (LCL) was 1024 m. There was a tiny thermal inversion and the 0-3 km lapse rate was 5.8 C/km. The hodograph shows that the low-level shear was 15 kts (due mostly to directional changes) and the deep-layer shear was 4 kts (due mostly to speed changes).

The SPC Mesoscale Analysis Surface Map shows mild, moderately dry weather, with sunny skies over the northern tier of counties (according to the sensors). The winds are light and variable.

The SPC Mesoscale Analysis Pressure Map shows high pressure over most of the state so far this morning, with no strong pressure gradients. The RAP shows pressure is expected to drop everywhere due to diurnal heating, with no strong pressure gradients expected to develop.

The NAM 250 mb chart shows light, northwesterly flow over the state today.

The NAM 700 mb and 850 mb charts show no strong thermal advection over the state today. These charts have been excluded from today’s post.

The Nested NAM simulated reflectivity chart shows showers and thunderstorms are unlikely today. This chart and the precipitation chart have been excluded from today’s post.

The Nested NAM temperature chart predicts that the high temperatures for the middle Rio Grande River Valley will reach the lower 80s F.

The Nested NAM also predicts shows the low temperatures are expected to drop into the lower 60s F.

The Nested NAM dewpoint chart shows that the dewpoints will remain in the 30s F today.

The Nested NAM wind prediction chart shows strong winds are unlikely. This chart has been excluded from today’s post.

The Nested NAM simulated infrared chart shows a few, light clouds are possible this afternoon and evening.

The same story as yesterday: high pressure system over the NM/CO border plus dry air aloft will limit showers and thunderstorms, though a few may be possible this afternoon. If they do occur, they will be really isolated, relying on small pockets of convection and upslope flow, though the surface winds are expected to be weak.

I already went for one walk around campus this morning, but I still may taken an evening walk as well.

The forecasts from the National Weather Service are from The NWS Homepage. The upper air soundings and mesoscale analysis plots are from the Storm Prediction Center website. The satellite data, model data, and forecasted soundings are from College of DuPage – SATRAD

Central New Mexico Weather: 9/27/22

Yesterday was warm and sunny here in Socorro and Magdalena. I brought a jacket, but didn’t need it, even in my evening walk.

Today, the weather is sunny and mild here in Rio Rancho. My weather station in Rio Rancho says:

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Rio Rancho, NM) a sunny day, with a high temperature of 83 F. The winds will be from the north at 5-10 mph, becoming southerly in the afternoon. This evening will be partly cloudy, with a 20% chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms and a low temperature of 56 F. The winds will be from the south at 5-10 mph, becoming northeasterly after midnight.

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Socorro, NM) a sunny day, with a high temperature of 84 F. The winds will be from the south at 5-10 mph. This evening will be mostly clear, with a low temperature of 55. The winds will be from the south at 5-10 mph, becoming southwesterly after midnight.

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Magdalena, NM) a sunny day, with a high temperature of 76 F. The winds will be from the southeast at 10-15 mph. This evening will be mostly clear, with a low temperature of 51 F. The winds will be from the southeast at 5-15 mph, becoming southwesterly by midnight.

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Mountainair, NM) a mostly sunny day, with a 20% chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms and a high temperature of 78 F. The winds will be from the southwest at 5-10 mph. This evening will be mostly clear, with a low temperature of 50 F. The winds will be from the southeast at 5-10 mph, becoming light and southerly by midnight.

The visible satellite imagery shows very few clouds over the state today. This chart has been excluded from today’s post.

The upper-level water vapor imagery shows that there has been some moisture return aloft. However, the interesting feature is the battle between Hurricane Ian and the jetstream in the east.

The 12Z upper air sounding from Albuquerque, NM, shows a moderately humid atmosphere. There was 0.70 inches of precipitable water present in the column this morning. There was 13 J/kg of Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE), and -463 J/kg of Convective Inhibition (CINH). The Lifted Condensation Level (LCL) was 895 m. There was a tiny thermal inversion and the 0-3 km lapse rate was 5.8 C/km. The hodograph shows that the low-level shear was 5 kts (due mostly to directional changes) and the deep-layer shear was 4 kts (due mostly to speed changes).

The SPC Mesoscale Analysis Surface Map shows cool, moderately dry weather, with sunny skies over the northern tier of counties (according to the sensors). The winds are still.

The SPC Mesoscale Analysis Pressure Map shows high pressure over most of the state so far this morning, with no strong pressure gradients. The RAP shows pressure is expected to drop everywhere due to diurnal heating, with no strong pressure gradients expected to develop.

The NAM 250 mb chart shows light, northwesterly flow over the state today.

The NAM 700 mb and 850 mb charts show no strong thermal advection over the state today. These charts have been excluded from today’s post.

The Nested NAM simulated reflectivity chart shows showers and thunderstorms are unlikely today. This chart and the precipitation chart have been excluded from today’s post.

The Nested NAM temperature chart predicts that the high temperatures for the middle Rio Grande River Valley will reach the lower 80s F.

The Nested NAM also predicts shows the low temperatures are expected to drop into the lower 60s F.

The Nested NAM dewpoint chart shows that the dewpoints will remain in the upper 30s F, with a few patches reaching into the 40s F.

The Nested NAM wind prediction chart shows strong winds are unlikely. This chart has been excluded from today’s post.

The Nested NAM simulated infrared chart shows a few, light clouds are possible this afternoon and evening.

The same story as yesterday: high pressure system over the NM/CO border plus dry air aloft will limit showers and thunderstorms, though a few may be possible this afternoon. If they do occur, they will be really isolated, relying on small pockets of convection and upslope flow, though the surface winds are expected to be weak.

I will remain in Socorro all day today, and while I will spend most of my time indoors, I hope to take an afternoon or evening walk.

The forecasts from the National Weather Service are from The NWS Homepage. The upper air soundings and mesoscale analysis plots are from the Storm Prediction Center website. The satellite data, model data, and forecasted soundings are from College of DuPage – SATRAD

Weather Data: 9/19/22 – 9/25/22

Time for my 126th week of weather station data. I am using Ambient Weather’s interface for the air quality and Weather Underground for all the other charts.

The high temperature of 87.6 F occurred on Monday afternoons. We had a low temperature of 51.4 F on Saturday morning. The dewpoints ranged from 63.3 F to 28.9 F.

There was 0.22 inches of rain this week, split between Thursday and Friday.

The strongest winds and the strongest gust (23.9 mph) occurred on Thursday.

The high pressure was 30.17 in Hg (~1022 mb) on Sunday, and the lowest pressure was on Monday evening, dropping down to 29.94 in Hg (~1014 mb). Pressure was on a rising trend this week.

The solar charts show mostly sunny skies this week.

The air quality was moderate, peaking at 63 um/m^3 on Friday.

Thank you for reading my post.

Central New Mexico Weather: 9/26/22

Yesterday was warm and sunny here in Rio Rancho. I spent a little time outside, though not nearly as much as I would have liked.

Today, the weather is sunny and mild here in Rio Rancho. My weather station in Rio Rancho says:

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Rio Rancho, NM) a sunny day, with a high temperature of 83 F. The winds will be from the northwest at 5 mph, becoming calm in the afternoon. This evening will be mostly clear, with a low temperature of 55 F. The winds will be from the south at 5 mph, becoming easterly after midnight.

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Socorro, NM) a mostly sunny day, with a 20% chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms and a high temperature of 84 F. The winds will be from the south at 5-10 mph. This evening will be mostly clear, with a low temperature of 53. The winds will be from the south at 5-10 mph.

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Magdalena, NM) a partly sunny day, with a 20% chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms and a high temperature of 75 F. The winds will be from the northwest at 5-10 mph, becoming southeasterly in the afternoon. This evening will be partly cloudy, with a low temperature of 50 F. The winds will be from the south at 5-10 mph, becoming southwesterly after midnight.

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Mountainair, NM) a mostly sunny day, with a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms and a high temperature of 77 F. The winds will be from the south at 5 mph. This evening will be mostly clear, with a low temperature of 50 F. The winds will be from the southwest at 5 mph.

The visible satellite imagery is unavailable at this time. The infrared imagery shows a few, light clouds in the south-central portion of the state.

The upper-level water vapor imagery shows that drier air has pushed through the state from the west.

The 12Z upper air sounding from Albuquerque, NM, is unavailable at this time.

The SPC Mesoscale Analysis Surface Map shows cool, moderately dry weather, with sunny skies over the northern tier of counties (according to the sensors). The winds are light and variable.

The SPC Mesoscale Analysis Pressure Map shows high pressure over most of the state so far this morning, with a slight pressure gradient running north to south. The RAP shows pressure is expected to drop everywhere due to diurnal heating, and weaken the gradient.

The NAM 250 mb chart shows light, northwesterly flow over the state today.

The NAM 700 mb and 850 mb charts show no strong thermal advection over the state today. These charts have been excluded from today’s post.

The Nested NAM simulated reflectivity chart shows showers and thunderstorms are unlikely today. This chart and the precipitation chart have been excluded from today’s post.

The Nested NAM temperature chart predicts that the high temperatures for the middle Rio Grande River Valley will reach the lower 80s F.

The Nested NAM also predicts shows the low temperatures are expected to drop into the lower 60s F.

The Nested NAM dewpoint chart shows that the dewpoints will climb back into the 50s F.

The Nested NAM wind prediction chart shows strong winds are unlikely. This chart has been excluded from today’s post.

The Nested NAM simulated infrared chart shows a few, light clouds are possible this afternoon and evening.

The high pressure system over the NM/CO border plus dry air aloft will limit showers and thunderstorms, though a few may be possible this afternoon. If they do occur, they will be really isolated, relying on small pockets of convection and upslope flow, though the surface winds are expected to be weak.

I will commute to Socorro and Magdalena from Rio Rancho this morning. I will probably be indoors most of the day, but I will try to go for an evening walk.

The forecasts from the National Weather Service are from The NWS Homepage. The upper air soundings and mesoscale analysis plots are from the Storm Prediction Center website. The satellite data, model data, and forecasted soundings are from College of DuPage – SATRAD

Satellite Image of the Week 2022 #39

This week, I chose an image over the Caribbean a few days ago.

This image shows Hurricane Fiona after it strengthened and headed north. It flooded parts of Puerto Rico before heading north to wreak havoc on the Maritime Provinces of Canada.

In this image, you can see the well-developed eye, spiral bands, and convection north of the center of circulation.

Source:
College of DuPage – SATRAD

Central New Mexico Weather: 9/25/22

Yesterday was warm and sunny here in Rio Rancho. I started out the day by going for a run. In the evening, it got a little chilly, and our furnace switched on. I also saw my first yellow leaves on the tree in the front yard.

Today, the weather is sunny and mild here in Rio Rancho. My weather station in Rio Rancho says:

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Rio Rancho, NM) a mostly sunny day, with a high temperature of 85 F. The winds will be from the north at 5-15 mph, becoming southeasterly in the afternoon. This evening will be partly cloudy, with a low temperature of 55 F. The winds will be from the southeast at 5-15 mph, becoming northeasterly after midnight.

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Socorro, NM) a partly sunny day, with a high temperature of 76 F. The winds will be from the northeast at 10-15 mph, becoming easterly in the afternoon. This evening will be partly cloudy, with a low temperature of 56. The winds will be from the southeast at 5-10 mph, becoming northerly after midnight.

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Magdalena, NM) a mostly sunny day, with a high temperature of 78 F. The winds will be from the north at 5-10 mph. This evening will be partly cloudy, with a 20% chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms, and a low temperature of 52 F. The winds will be from the southeast at 5-10 mph, becoming northeasterly after midnight.

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Mountainair, NM) a mostly sunny day, with a high temperature of 77 F. The winds will be from the east at 10-20 mph. This evening will be mostly clear, with a low temperature of 46 F. The winds will be from the east at 5-15 mph, becoming northerly after midnight.

The visible satellite imagery shows a few, light clouds in the southern part of the state this morning. There are a few patches of cumulus clouds bubbling up, perhaps indicating a little bit of morning instability.

The upper-level water vapor imagery shows the plume of monsoonal moisture has elongated, stretching from west to east, and also mixed out a bit.

The 12Z upper air sounding from Albuquerque, NM, shows a mild, moderately dry atmosphere. There was 0.53 inches of precipitable water present in the column this morning. There was no Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE), and no Convective Inhibition (CINH). The Lifted Condensation Level (LCL) was 1784 m. There was no thermal inversion and the 0-3 km lapse rate was 5.3 C/km. The hodograph shows that the low-level shear was 10 kts (due mostly to directional changes) and the deep-layer shear was 12 kts (due mostly to speed changes).

The SPC Mesoscale Analysis Surface Map shows cool, moderately dry weather, with sunny skies over the northern tier of counties (according to the sensors). The winds are light and variable.

The SPC Mesoscale Analysis Pressure Map shows slightly higher pressure over most of the state so far this morning, with a slight pressure gradient running north to south. The RAP shows pressure is expected to drop everywhere due to diurnal heating, and weaken the gradient.

The NAM 250 mb chart shows light, northwesterly flow over the state today.

The NAM 700 mb and 850 mb charts show no strong thermal advection over the state today. These charts have been excluded from today’s post.

The Nested NAM simulated reflectivity chart shows showers and thunderstorms are unlikely today. This chart and the precipitation chart have been excluded from today’s post.

The Nested NAM temperature chart predicts that the high temperatures for the middle Rio Grande River Valley will reach the mid 80s F.

The Nested NAM also predicts shows the low temperatures are expected to drop into the mid 50s F.

The Nested NAM dewpoint chart shows that the dewpoints will remain in the 30s F.

The Nested NAM wind prediction chart shows there is some potential for strong winds in the Eastern Plains this afternoon.

The Nested NAM simulated infrared chart shows a few, light clouds are possible this afternoon and evening.

The NWS mentions a back door cold front passing into the state from the northeast today, but it’s really subtle on the NAM, and I didn’t take a screenshot of it. There is also a slight chance of a few showers and thunderstorms in the west, but they barely show up on the NAM as well. Overall, temperatures will be near average for this time of year, and skies will be partly to mostly sunny.

I am running around like crazy today. I’ll split my time between indoor and outdoor events, as I will do a little grocery shopping, work in my garden and also may go for an evening run.

The forecasts from the National Weather Service are from The NWS Homepage. The upper air soundings and mesoscale analysis plots are from the Storm Prediction Center website. The satellite data, model data, and forecasted soundings are from College of DuPage – SATRAD

Central New Mexico Weather: 9/24/22

Yesterday was warm and partly sunny in Socorro. In the afternoon, a few thunderstorms rolled through town, and it rained hard. Along my commute back to Rio Rancho, I went through a few pockets of light rain.

Today, the weather is sunny and mild here in Rio Rancho. My weather station in Rio Rancho says:

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Rio Rancho, NM) a sunny day, with a high temperature of 85 F. The winds will be from the north at 5-10 mph, becoming northwesterly in the afternoon. This evening will be mostly clear, with a low temperature of 58 F. The winds will be from the northwest at 5-10 mph.

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Socorro, NM) a sunny day, with a high temperature of 86 F. The winds will be from the north at 10 mph. This evening will be mostly clear, with a low temperature of 58. The winds will be from the northwest at 10 mph.

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Magdalena, NM) a mostly sunny day, with a high temperature of 78 F. The winds will be from the north at 5-10 mph. This evening will be partly cloudy, with a low temperature of 51 F. The winds will be from the northwest at 5-10 mph.

The NWS in Albuquerque, NM, forecasts (for Mountainair, NM) a sunny day, with a high temperature of 80 F. The winds will be from the north at 5-10 mph, becoming westerly in the afternoon. This evening will be mostly clear, with a low temperature of 47 F. The winds will be from the north at 5-10 mph.

The visible satellite imagery shows very few clouds over the state today. This image has been excluded from today’s post.

The upper-level water vapor imagery shows the plume of monsoonal moisture has elongated, stretching from west to east, and also mixed out a bit.

The 12Z upper air sounding from Albuquerque, NM, shows a warm, humid atmosphere. There was 0.76 inches of precipitable water present in the column this morning. There was 62 J/kg of Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE), and -111 J/kg of Convective Inhibition (CINH). The Lifted Condensation Level (LCL) was 348 m. There was no thermal inversion and the 0-3 km lapse rate was 5.3 C/km. The hodograph shows that the low-level shear was 20 kts (due mostly to directional changes) and the deep-layer shear was 91 kts (due mostly to speed changes).

The SPC Mesoscale Analysis Surface Map shows cool, moderately dry weather, with sunny skies over the northern tier of counties (according to the sensors). The winds are light and variable.

The SPC Mesoscale Analysis Pressure Map shows slightly higher pressure over most of the state so far this morning, with no strong pressure gradients. The RAP shows pressure is expected to drop everywhere due to diurnal heating, and no strong pressure gradients are expected to develop.

The NAM 250 mb chart shows light, northwesterly flow over the state today.

The NAM 700 mb and 850 mb charts show no strong thermal advection over the state today. These charts have been excluded from today’s post.

The Nested NAM simulated reflectivity chart shows showers and thunderstorms are unlikely today. This chart and the precipitation chart have been excluded from today’s post.

The Nested NAM temperature chart predicts that the high temperatures for the middle Rio Grande River Valley will reach the mid 80s F.

The Nested NAM also predicts shows the low temperatures are expected to drop into the lower 60s F.

The Nested NAM dewpoint chart shows that the dewpoints will drop into the 30s F by this afternoon.

The Nested NAM wind prediction chart shows gusty winds are unlikely today. This chart has been excluded from today’s post.

The Nested NAM simulated infrared chart shows very few clouds over the state today. This chart has been excluded from today’s post.

With temperatures holding in the 80s F today, it’s not quite fall yet, but it is drier than it has been for the last few days, with dewpoints dropping into the 30s F. Showers and thunderstorms are unlikely today.

I might go for a run. Whether I run or not, I will spend some time outside today, perhaps working in my shed for a bit.

The forecasts from the National Weather Service are from The NWS Homepage. The upper air soundings and mesoscale analysis plots are from the Storm Prediction Center website. The satellite data, model data, and forecasted soundings are from College of DuPage – SATRAD