0Albuquerque,NM (KKOB)- What’s left of Hurricane Simon after it makes landfall in southwestern Mexico will be bringing rain into Central and Western New Mexico early next week.
Currently, Saturday 4:30 P.M, Simon has rapidly intensified into a powerful Category 4 storm in the Eastern Pacific, with sustained winds at 150 mph and the storm drifting north near the west-central coast of Mexico. The storm is barely moving at under 5 mph, a gradual increase in forward speed toward the north-northwest is expected to continue through the weekend. Several Mexican resorts are in the storms path such as Puerto Vallarta, which is shutting down non-essential activities, closing schools, and arranging emergency shelters for tourists and residents. Same with Manzanillo.
Once inland the storm will be breaking up as it goes through the mountains. However, upper-level winds are expected to pull the remnant moisture inland and northeastward into northern Mexico and parts of the Southwestern United States, bringing widespread heavy rainfall and flood risks. The tropical moisture is expected to push north into New Mexico, rather than breaking up completely over Mexico.
What to Expect for New Mexico
Timing: The main surge of remnant moisture is forecast to arrive early in the week (Tuesday into Wednesday).
Rainfall Potential: Forecasters project widespread precipitation across Arizona and New Mexico, with generalized rain totals of 1 to 3 inches possible in many areas.
Impacts: Western & Southwestern NM (Highest Impact):
Areas: Catron, Grant, Hidalgo, McKinley, and western Socorro counties.
Expectations: These areas face the highest risk for widespread 1 to 3+ inches of rainfall and heightened flash flood threats.
Central NM & The Rio Grande Valley (Albuquerque / Santa Fe):
Expectations: Albuquerque is well within the envelope for measurable rain. While total amounts in the metro area will likely be lower than in the western mountains (often averaging 0.25 to 0.75 inches, with locally higher spots), high atmospheric moisture means any thunderstorm that forms can drop heavy rain quickly.
