...UNSETTLED AND COOLER THAN NORMAL WEATHER ACROSS NORTHERN AND
CENTRAL NEW MEXICO THIS WEEKEND...

A slow moving upper low over the Great Basin will slide
southeastward over New Mexico this weekend. In the meantime, a
strong cold front will blast into central New Mexico tonight, with
easterly gap winds gusting to between 40 and 60 mph later this
evening. A High Wind Warning remains in effect for the Middle Rio
Grande Valley from 9 PM this evening through 6 AM Saturday
morning. Winds will be strongest from Placitas southward along
the east side of Albuquerque to Meadow Lake and Abo Canyon.

Light snow is expected to develop along the east slopes of the
Sangre de Cristo mountains later tonight in the wake of the cold front.
Valley rain and snow and mountain snow showers will be possible
through Sunday, with several inches of snow accumulating above
elevations above 8500 feet over the northern mountains. Isolated
thunderstorms are also possible Saturday and Sunday afternoons
over the north and west.

High temperatures Saturday and Sunday will range from about 5 to
25 degrees cooler than normal. Lows will vary from near to about
10 degrees colder than average.

The upper low will exit the state by early Monday morning. However
another front may bring some light precipitation to northeast New
Mexico.

Take action now to secure any loose and lightweight outdoor
objects such as patio furniture. Continue to protect any exposed
pipes and tender vegetation. Anyone planning outdoor activities
in the northern mountains this weekend should be prepared to
encounter wintry conditions. Stay alert to the latest forecasts
using your favorite media outlets.