Rain Chances Return on Monday with Warming Trend

Scattered storms, gusty winds, and dry lightning expected across New Mexico.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 12:54am

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of grey, blue, and gold, with the distant Sandia Mountains partially obscured by heavy storm clouds. The composition emphasizes the overwhelming scale of the natural world, conveying a sense of the sublime power of the approaching weather system.The impending storm clouds loom large over the New Mexico landscape, hinting at the power of the incoming weather system.Albuquerque Today

After a dry weekend, the Albuquerque and Santa Fe areas of New Mexico are set to see a return of rain chances on Monday, with a mix of sun and clouds throughout the day. While most of the day will remain dry, there is a slight chance for afternoon and evening scattered storms, some of which may be dry storms bringing gusty winds, patchy blowing dust, and dry lightning strikes. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-70s in Albuquerque and upper-60s in Santa Fe, with a warming trend continuing through the middle of the week.

Why it matters

New Mexico has experienced an extended dry spell, so the return of rain chances, even if scattered, will be welcomed by many. However, the gusty winds and dry lightning associated with the storms could also elevate fire danger in the region, which has been an ongoing concern.

The details

Monday's forecast calls for a mix of sun and clouds, with a slight chance of afternoon and evening scattered storms across the Albuquerque and Santa Fe areas. While most of the day will remain dry, the storms that do develop may bring gusty winds, patchy blowing dust, and dry lightning strikes. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-70s in Albuquerque and upper-60s in Santa Fe.

  • Monday will see a return of rain chances across New Mexico.
  • Tuesday is expected to start sunny with increasing afternoon clouds.
  • A warming trend is forecast to continue through the middle of the week.

The players

Albuquerque

The largest city in New Mexico, located in the central part of the state.

Santa Fe

The capital city of New Mexico, located in the northern part of the state.

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What’s next

Weather forecasters will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the potential for storms and any associated fire danger throughout the week.

The takeaway

The return of rain chances, even if scattered, is a welcome sight for New Mexico after an extended dry spell, but the gusty winds and dry lightning associated with the storms could also elevate fire danger in the region, which remains an ongoing concern.