Tucumcari, New Mexico

... Wintry weather to impact much of New Mexico over the latter part
of the Holiday weekend...

A potent upper level low pressure system could bring significant
snowfall to portions of New Mexico beginning late Saturday and
continuing through Monday.

This powerful weather system will dive south along the California
coastline Friday through Saturday and end up over northern Baja
California on Sunday. The storm will then turn east and move
across northern old Mexico on Monday. Precipitation will likely
begin in the form of rain across all but the highest elevations on
Saturday. However... rain will quickly turn to snow and increase in
coverage Saturday night across much of western and northern New
Mexico as colder air rushes into the area.

On Sunday morning... a strong cold front will plunge south across the
eastern plains. This will bring an abrupt end to the above normal
temperatures that New Mexico has been experiencing. The focus for
precipitation will shift to areas along and behind the front... and
given the cold temperatures... much of the precipitation will fall in
the form of snow. By Monday... much of the activity is expected to be
south of Interstate 40 before it tapers off Monday night.

At this time... it remains unclear what areas will be impacted the
most by this system. While computer models are starting to come into
better agreement... the strength... track and timing of the weekend
weather system remains uncertain. Holiday travelers will want to
stay advised of the latest forecasts and weather conditions as this
winter weather event unfolds. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio... the
National Weather Service website... or your preferred weather
information source for the latest forecasts and statements
throughout the weekend.