Flash Flood Warning 39, NWS Albuquerque, NM

030 
WGUS75 KABQ 220057
FFSABQ

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
657 PM MDT Tue Jul 21 2026

NMC006-220200-
/O.CON.KABQ.FF.W.0039.000000T0000Z-260722T0200Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Cibola NM-
657 PM MDT Tue Jul 21 2026

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MDT THIS EVENING
FOR CENTRAL CIBOLA COUNTY...

At 657 PM MDT, Although rainfall rates have decreased significantly,
a risk of flash flooding continues across the warned area. Between 1
and 2 inches of rain have fallen with additional rainfall amounts up
to 0.25 inches possible in the warned area.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
         highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
         drainage and low-lying areas.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Mainly rural areas of Central Cibola County.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Do not enter or cross flowing water or water of unknown depth. Turn
around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

Arroyos, streams, and normally dry rivers can become raging killer
currents in a matter of minutes. Water in arroyos can travel many
miles and take hours to reach your location from upstream rain areas.

&&

LAT...LON 3505 10825 3468 10801 3469 10780 3487 10783
      3500 10794 3504 10805

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED

$$

Shoemake

042 
WGUS75 KABQ 220153
FFSABQ

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
753 PM MDT Tue Jul 21 2026

NMC006-220203-
/O.EXP.KABQ.FF.W.0039.000000T0000Z-260722T0200Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Cibola NM-
753 PM MDT Tue Jul 21 2026

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 8 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR
CENTRAL CIBOLA COUNTY...

Thunderstorms with heavy rain have ended or moved out of the area,
however, light rain will continue over the area. Flows of water in
arroyos, as well as ponding of water in low spots may persist.

Flash flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat. Please
continue to heed any remaining road closures.

&&

LAT...LON 3505 10825 3468 10801 3469 10780 3487 10783
      3500 10794 3504 10805

$$

Shoemake

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
243 PM MDT Tue Jul 21 2026

...New SHORT TERM, LONG TERM, FIRE WEATHER...

.KEY MESSAGES...
Updated at 239 PM MDT Tue Jul 21 2026

- Showers and thunderstorms will favor the central mountain chain
  westward through Wednesday with a risk of lightning, heavy rain,
  localized flooding, gusty outflow winds, and small hail.

- The greatest risk for isolated flash flooding will focus along
  and west of the central mountain chain through Wednesday, as
  well as the Ruidoso area burn scars.

- Moderate to major heat risk will afflict lower elevations of
  central and eastern New Mexico during the latter half of the
  week into the weekend where highs climb back into the 100s.

&&

.SHORT TERM...
(This evening through Wednesday night)
Issued at 239 PM MDT Tue Jul 21 2026

Water vapor imagery shows an impressive closed Low over southwest
New Mexico that is dragging deep, subtropical northward with it.
Showers with a few storms have been occurring since early this
morning and afternoon destabilization has increased the coverage of
storms. Rainfall rates today will be very efficient for the desert
southwest, with localized rates as high as 2"/hour. Furthermore,
areas including Gallup and Farmington could see repeated rounds
of storms with heavy rainfall rates slowly rotating around the
north side of the Low. Storms will likely continue into the
evening hours as the forcing from the disturbance shifts
northward. While severe weather is not of huge concern with this
setup, wet microbursts could create very localized damaging
outflow wind gusts in the western half of the state this afternoon
and evening.

The disturbance over southwest NM today will continue its trek
northward into the Four Corners area Wednesday as moisture continues
to surge northward. This will result in different storm motions than
today, with storms generally moving from south to north. While many
of the same areas across western NM still have high rain chances,
the pattern change should result in different areas getting hit
compared to previous days. This flow direction is favorable for the
Ruidoso area burn scars as well so a Flash Flood Watch was issued
for that area for Wednesday afternoon.

&&

.LONG TERM...
(Thursday through Monday)
Issued at 239 PM MDT Tue Jul 21 2026

The upper high over the TX Panhandle will move into southern NM
on Thursday, while the aformentioned disturbance rotates around it
into Colorado. Showers and storms will focus over the northern
mountains on Thursday, with much less coverage underneath the
ridge thanks to mid-level warming and drier air working its way
in from the east. A few severe storms could develop with updrafts
that roll off the Sangre de Cristo Mountains where there will be
ample instability. The center of the ridge will then setup over
central NM on Friday and Saturday, with moisture recycling around
it. Moisture levels will be near seasonal normals, but flash
flooding is a concern considering the slow and erratic storm
motions over the high terrain, including the Sacramento Mountains.
500 mb heights between 596-598 dam should help to limit
instability somewhat, but hot afternoon temps and PWATs between
1-1.25" could counteract this.

Heat will also become a concern late week into the weekend,
especially across the eastern plains where highs will reach into the
low 100s each day. Overnight lows will be above average as well (low
to mid-70s) so there will not be significant relief from the heat at
night. High temps will be pushing 100F along the Rio Grande Valley
as well, including in Albuquerque so heat risk concerns will also
extend into central NM.

&&

.AVIATION...
(18Z TAFS)
Issued at 1225 PM MDT Tue Jul 21 2026

Scattered showers and storms will favor the western half of New
Mexico today between 18z and 03z. Gusty outflow winds up to 35 KT
and small hail could occur with stronger storms. While brief MVFR
conditions may occur with persistent storms, VFR conditions will
prevail. Storms will taper off after 03z, but a few could linger
as late as 09z near the AZ border.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 239 PM MDT Tue Jul 21 2026

Critical fire weather conditions are not expected through the next
seven days. Scattered to widespread storms will continue to focus
over the western NM today and again on Wednesday, with coverage
shifting to northern NM on Thursday. The center of the ridge will
then shift over central NM Friday into the weekend, resulting in
scattered slow-moving showers and storms that will favor the high
terrain each afternoon and the surrounding lower elevations during
the late afternoons and evenings. Temperatures will trend hotter the
next few days, particularly in eastern NM where highs will be in the
low 100s each afternoon.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Farmington......................  65  89  66  90 /  70  30  70  10
Dulce...........................  55  87  55  87 /  70  60  70  50
Cuba............................  58  84  59  86 /  50  20  50  20
Gallup..........................  56  83  58  87 /  50  50  50  20
El Morro........................  56  80  57  84 /  50  70  50  20
Grants..........................  59  84  59  88 /  40  70  40  30
Quemado.........................  57  81  58  85 /  40  60  30  30
Magdalena.......................  63  84  64  87 /  30  20  10  30
Datil...........................  57  79  59  83 /  40  70  20  20
Reserve.........................  55  85  57  90 /  50  40  20  20
Glenwood........................  56  90  60  95 /  60  30  20   5
Chama...........................  53  81  53  81 /  50  60  60  70
Los Alamos......................  64  84  64  86 /  40  20  30  40
Pecos...........................  57  86  59  88 /  40  30  40   0
Cerro/Questa....................  56  85  57  84 /  10  20  20  50
Red River.......................  48  76  49  76 /  10  30  20  40
Angel Fire......................  44  80  46  82 /  10  70  50  10
Taos............................  57  87  58  88 /  10  30  30  20
Mora............................  55  84  56  87 /  30  30  20  10
Espanola........................  66  92  67  93 /  30  10  20  30
Santa Fe........................  62  86  63  88 /  40  20  30   5
Santa Fe Airport................  61  88  62  91 /  40  20  30   5
Albuquerque Foothills...........  64  91  67  95 /  40  20  20   0
Albuquerque Heights.............  67  92  69  95 /  30  10  20   5
Albuquerque Valley..............  66  95  68  98 /  30  10  20   5
Albuquerque West Mesa...........  67  93  69  95 /  30  10  30   5
Belen...........................  65  94  67  97 /  20  10  20   0
Bernalillo......................  66  93  68  96 /  40  20  30   5
Bosque Farms....................  63  93  65  96 /  30  10  20   0
Corrales........................  66  94  68  97 /  40  10  30   5
Los Lunas.......................  63  94  65  97 /  20  10  20   0
Placitas........................  66  89  67  92 /  40  30  20   0
Rio Rancho......................  67  93  68  96 /  40  10  30   5
Socorro.........................  69  95  71  99 /  20   5   5   5
Sandia Park/Cedar Crest.........  61  85  62  89 /  30  40  20   0
Tijeras.........................  61  86  63  90 /  30  40  20   0
Edgewood........................  59  88  59  91 /  30  20  20   0
Moriarty/Estancia...............  55  90  55  93 /  20  20  10   0
Clines Corners..................  58  85  59  88 /  20  20  10   0
Mountainair.....................  59  88  60  91 /  20  20   5   0
Gran Quivira....................  59  86  61  90 /  20  10   5   0
Carrizozo.......................  65  87  67  92 /  20  50  10   0
Ruidoso.........................  59  81  60  86 /  20  60  20  20
Capulin.........................  58  88  59  91 /  10   5  10  30
Raton...........................  56  92  57  94 /  10  10  20  30
Springer........................  59  93  59  96 /  10  10  10  20
Las Vegas.......................  58  87  58  90 /  20  20  20   0
Clayton.........................  66  97  67 100 /  10   0   5   5
Roy.............................  63  91  64  94 /  10   0   5   5
Conchas.........................  68 100  69 103 /  10   0   5   0
Santa Rosa......................  65  95  67  98 /  10   0   5   5
Tucumcari.......................  70 102  71 104 /  10   0   0   0
Clovis..........................  69 100  69 102 /   5   0   0   0
Portales........................  70 101  70 103 /   5   0   0   0
Fort Sumner.....................  69  99  69 102 /   5   0   0   0
Roswell.........................  72 101  71 104 /   5   0   0   0
Picacho.........................  65  93  65  97 /  10  10   5   5
Elk.............................  62  89  61  93 /  10  10   5   5

&&

.ABQ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Flood Watch until 9 PM MDT this evening for NMZ201-202-205-208-
209.

Flood Watch until 6 PM MDT this evening for NMZ226.

Flood Watch Wednesday afternoon for NMZ226.

&&

SHORT TERM...16
LONG TERM....16
AVIATION...16

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
219 PM MDT Tue Jul 21 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0216 PM     Flash Flood      1 NW Gallup             35.53N 108.75W
07/21/2026                   McKinley           NM   Emergency Mngr

            EM reports Gallup PD and FD responding to
            stranded motorist calls on Maloney Avenue
            between 5th and 9th street.

&&

CG

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
220 PM MDT Tue Jul 21 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0218 PM     Flash Flood      1 SSE Gallup            35.51N 108.73W
07/21/2026                   McKinley           NM   Emergency Mngr

            Water on ground flood of Rehoboth McKinley
            Christian Hospital and the wellness center
            across the street.

&&

34

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
227 PM MDT Tue Jul 21 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0227 PM     Flash Flood      Zuni Pueblo             35.07N 108.85W
07/21/2026                   McKinley           NM   Emergency Mngr

            Evacuations ongoing along Old Gallup Rod,
            St. Anthony Road and Chavez Circle due to
            flash flooding.

&&

34

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
327 PM MDT Tue Jul 21 2026

NMZ201-204-212200-
Northwest Plateau NM-Northwest Highlands NM-
327 PM MDT Tue Jul 21 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN SAN JUAN COUNTY
UNTIL 4 PM MDT...

At 327 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 10
miles north of Chaco Canyon, or 35 miles south of Bloomfield, moving
northwest at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 45 mph and half inch size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible. Hail may accumulate on roadways causing hazardous
         travel.

Locations impacted include...
  Mainly rural areas of Southeastern San Juan County.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.

&&

LAT...LON 3639 10796 3621 10775 3608 10799 3617 10839
      3636 10832 3651 10811
TIME...MOT...LOC 2127Z 123DEG 22KT 3621 10802

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Shoemake

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
357 PM MDT Tue Jul 21 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0245 PM     Flash Flood      2 WNW Gallup            35.53N 108.76W
07/21/2026                   McKinley           NM   Broadcast Media

            Marshalls parking lot flooded near US 491
            and West Lincoln Ave. At least calf-high
            water throughout the parking lot.

&&

34

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
448 PM MDT Tue Jul 21 2026

NMZ203-212315-
Far Northwest Highlands NM-
448 PM MDT Tue Jul 21 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN RIO ARRIBA COUNTY
UNTIL 515 PM MDT...

At 448 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 14
miles west of Heron Lake State Park, or 18 miles southwest of Dulce,
moving north at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 45 mph, heavy rain, and penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible. Hail may accumulate on roadways causing hazardous
         travel.

Locations impacted include...
  Dulce.

This includes Highway 64 between Mile Markers 105 and 127.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.

&&

LAT...LON 3663 10707 3665 10732 3692 10738 3692 10700
TIME...MOT...LOC 2248Z 182DEG 14KT 3673 10721

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Shoemake