Alert archive / New Mexico / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026

Flash Flood Warning 65, NWS Albuquerque, NM

July 25, 2026McKinley County, New Mexico

NWS Albuquerque, NM issued this flash flood warning at Jul 25, 2026, 2:33 PM MDT for McKinley County, New Mexico. It was in force for 3 hr. 1 report came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Jul 25, 2026, 2:33 PM MDT (20:33 UTC)
Expired
Jul 25, 2026, 5:24 PM MDT
In force
3 hr
Issued by
NWS Albuquerque, NM
Area
Storm-based polygon
Damage threat
Considerable
Flood severity
None

County McKinley County, NM

The radar

The Albuquerque radar (KABX), 184 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:33 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Jul 25, 3:27 PM MDTFLASH FLOODZuni Pueblo, NMWater over roadways; Lakeside Rd and West Sandy Springs Rd.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

Did it verify

Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched one storm report to this flash flood warning; the first came 54 minutes after it went out.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The nearest sounding before it

Phoenix, AZ (KPSR), launched 12:00Z, 8.6 hours before the alert went out and 341 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Phoenix, AZ at 12:00Z on 2026-07-25Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 117 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Phoenix, AZ at 12:00Z on 2026-07-25The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 21 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
117 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-320 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
3138 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
22 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
21 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
109 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.1

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

446 
WGUS55 KABQ 252033
FFWABQ
NMC031-252330-
/O.NEW.KABQ.FF.W.0065.260725T2033Z-260725T2330Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
233 PM MDT Sat Jul 25 2026

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  Southwestern McKinley County in west central New Mexico...

* Until 530 PM MDT.

* At 233 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
  heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.25 and 0.5 inches of
  rain have fallen between Zuni and Black Rock. Additional rainfall
  amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash
  flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

  HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing
           flash flooding.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams,
           urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Zuni Pueblo and Black Rock.

Areas along Old Gallup Road, Sandy Springs Road, and Lakeside Drive
in northeast Zuni Pueblo will be most vulnerable to flash flooding.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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 3511 10885 3510 10888 3508 10890 3505 10890
      3503 10887 3503 10884 3504 10879 3507 10876
      3511 10878

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE

$$

MA
2 follow-up statements
133 
WGUS75 KABQ 252118
FFSABQ

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
318 PM MDT Sat Jul 25 2026

NMC031-252330-
/O.CON.KABQ.FF.W.0065.000000T0000Z-260725T2330Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
McKinley NM-
318 PM MDT Sat Jul 25 2026

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 530 PM MDT THIS
AFTERNOON FOR SOUTHWESTERN MCKINLEY COUNTY...

At 318 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy
rain across the warned area. Between 0.25 and 0.5 inches of rain have
fallen between Zuni Pueblo and Black Rock. Additional rainfall
amounts up to 0.25 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash
flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing
         flash flooding.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban
         areas, highways, streets and underpasses.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Zuni Pueblo and Black Rock.

Areas along Old Gallup Road, Sandy Springs Road, and Lakeside Drive
in northeast Zuni Pueblo will be most vulnerable to potential flash
flooding impacts.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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 3511 10885 3510 10888 3508 10890 3505 10890
      3503 10887 3503 10884 3504 10879 3507 10876
      3511 10878

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE

$$

MA
345 
WGUS75 KABQ 252324
FFSABQ

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
524 PM MDT Sat Jul 25 2026

NMC031-252334-
/O.CAN.KABQ.FF.W.0065.000000T0000Z-260725T2330Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
McKinley NM-
524 PM MDT Sat Jul 25 2026

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR SOUTHWESTERN MCKINLEY
COUNTY...

Thunderstorms with heavy rain have ended and moved out of the area.
Flash flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat. Please
continue to heed any remaining road closures.

A Flood Watch remains in effect until 900 PM MDT.

&&

LAT...LON 3511 10885 3510 10888 3508 10890 3505 10890
      3503 10887 3503 10884 3504 10879 3507 10876
      3511 10878

$$

MA

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this flash flood warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Albuquerque, NM wrote its last area forecast discussion before this flash flood warning went out at Jul 25, 1:22 PM MDT, 1 hour 11 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Updated at 100 PM MDT Sat Jul 25 2026
  • There is a moderate to high risk of flash flooding from slow moving thunderstorms over portions of central and western NM through this weekend.
  • Moderate to major heat risk will impact lower elevations of central and eastern New Mexico over the next seven days with high temperatures in the upper 90s to low 100s.
  • Daily rounds of afternoon thunderstorms with frequent lightning, gusty winds, small hail, and localized heavy rainfall continues at varying coverages over the next seven days.
Area forecast discussion, Jul 25, 1:22 PM MDT, 1 hour 11 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
122 PM MDT Sat Jul 25 2026

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

.KEY MESSAGES...
Updated at 100 PM MDT Sat Jul 25 2026

- There is a moderate to high risk of flash flooding from slow
  moving thunderstorms over portions of central and western NM
  through this weekend.

- Moderate to major heat risk will impact lower elevations of
  central and eastern New Mexico over the next seven days with
  high temperatures in the upper 90s to low 100s.

- Daily rounds of afternoon thunderstorms with frequent lightning,
  gusty winds, small hail, and localized heavy rainfall continues
  at varying coverages over the next seven days.

&&

.SHORT TERM...
(This evening through Sunday night)
Issued at 100 PM MDT Sat Jul 25 2026

The latest water vapor imagery and GOES derived winds shows deep
moisture draped across NM with the center of the monsoon high near
the Four Corners. The 18Z KABQ PWAT was 1.32" (just below the daily
record of 1.39" from 1968) with slow steering flow toward the west
and northwest. Showers and storms have developed over the higher
terrain and will continue expanding thru the afternoon. Abundant
moisture and instability with slow-moving storms will elevate the
risk for flash flooding, especially in areas that have received
recent heavy rains. The Flood Watch was expanded to include the
Middle and Lower RGV westward into the watch that was already in
effect. Rainfall rates in excess of 2"/hour are expected with the
stronger cells, along with strong downburst wind gusts, small hail,
and frequent lightning strikes. Several CAMs show storms tapering
off to showers thru late evening as an MCV feature rolls northwest
across central NM.

Storm placement Sunday is still likely to be focused over northern
and western NM, however the coverage is more uncertain. The monsoon
high will refocus over northeast NM Sunday and strengthen to near
599dm. H5 temps warm to near -3C over a larger area of central and
eastern NM with H7 temps between +18 and +22C. The remnant MCV near
west-central NM may amount to no more than persistent cloud cover
Sunday morning, which could limit coverage from less instability,
or, delay storms until later in the day. Areas surrounding the cloud
shield may erupt again by early to mid afternoon as long as updrafts
can overcome very warm mid level temps. The 12Z NAM and RRFS show
the central mt chain westward favored for the heavier QPF Sunday,
including the Ruidoso area. However, the HREF & REFS 6-hour LPMM
QPFs and NBM90th percentile QPF show an overall downtrend in the
heavier rainfall footprints Sunday. There are several conflicting
factors that do not warrant a Flood Watch at this time so latest
trends in 00Z/06Z guidance will be helpful to improve confidence.

&&

.LONG TERM...
(Monday through Friday)
Issued at 100 PM MDT Sat Jul 25 2026

Monday thru Friday will feature a typical late July monsoon pattern
with the upper level high migrating westward across northern NM to
the Four Corners region by late week. Daily rounds of showers and
storms will develop over the higher terrain then move into nearby
lowlands on convective outflows. High PWATs and slow storm motion
will still allow for locally heavy rainfall amounts >1.5". Northern
and western NM will be favored in this pattern with differences in
the overall coverage and intensity varying from day to day.

&&

.AVIATION...
(18Z TAFS)
Issued at 1120 AM MDT Sat Jul 25 2026

SHRA/TS will form over the high terrain thru 2pm today then move
erratically north and west into nearby lowlands thru this evening.
Direct hits will produce IFR/MVFR vsbys in heavy rain, outflow
wind gusts >35KT, and frequent lightning strikes. The main focus
today will stretch along and west of the central mt chain. Showers
are likely to persist thru 2am across western NM with partial
clearing elsewhere.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 100 PM MDT Sat Jul 25 2026

There are no critical fire weather concerns for the foreseeable
future. Patchy dry fuels across the region may still lead to new
fire starts from lightning strikes. A typical monsoon pattern will
focus the greatest chances for locally heavy rainfall across the
northern and western high terrain thru late next week. Storms will
form over the high terrain each day then move erratically into
nearby lowlands thru the afternoon and evening. Small footprints
with rainfall amounts of 1 to 2" may create flash flooding.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Farmington......................  68  97  68  97 /  30  20  20   5
Dulce...........................  55  94  55  94 /  30  60  20  50
Cuba............................  61  90  61  91 /  30  30  30  20
Gallup..........................  60  90  60  91 /  50  60  20  20
El Morro........................  59  86  59  87 /  60  60  30  30
Grants..........................  61  91  62  92 /  60  40  30  20
Quemado.........................  60  87  61  87 /  70  50  30  20
Magdalena.......................  67  89  66  91 /  30  40  20  10
Datil...........................  62  85  62  86 /  50  50  20  30
Reserve.........................  60  93  59  94 /  40  50  20  40
Glenwood........................  64  98  63  98 /  40  30  20  40
Chama...........................  54  86  54  86 /  20  60  20  70
Los Alamos......................  67  91  68  92 /  20  20  30  30
Pecos...........................  60  91  61  92 /  30  20  20  30
Cerro/Questa....................  61  89  60  89 /  10  30  40  50
Red River.......................  53  84  53  84 /  10  40  40  70
Angel Fire......................  50  85  51  85 /  10  40  30  60
Taos............................  59  92  59  92 /  20  20  30  30
Mora............................  58  90  59  90 /  20  30  20  60
Espanola........................  67  98  67  98 /  20  10  30  10
Santa Fe........................  66  91  67  92 /  20  10  20  10
Santa Fe Airport................  64  94  65  95 /  20  10  20   5
Albuquerque Foothills...........  71  98  72  99 /  40   5  20   5
Albuquerque Heights.............  68  99  69 100 /  30   5  20   0
Albuquerque Valley..............  68 100  68 102 /  30   0  20   0
Albuquerque West Mesa...........  70  98  71 100 /  30   0  20   0
Belen...........................  68  99  68 101 /  20   5  20   0
Bernalillo......................  69 100  70 101 /  30   5  20   0
Bosque Farms....................  66  98  67 100 /  20   5  20   0
Corrales........................  69 100  70 101 /  30   5  20   0
Los Lunas.......................  68  98  68 100 /  20   0  20   0
Placitas........................  69  96  70  97 /  30   5  20   5
Rio Rancho......................  69  99  70 100 /  30   5  20   0
Socorro.........................  73 101  73 103 /  30  10  10   0
Sandia Park/Cedar Crest.........  64  91  65  93 /  40  10  20   5
Tijeras.........................  63  94  65  96 /  40  10  20   5
Edgewood........................  60  95  61  97 /  40  10  20  10
Moriarty/Estancia...............  58  95  59  96 /  30  10  20   5
Clines Corners..................  60  90  61  91 /  20  10  20  10
Mountainair.....................  61  93  61  95 /  30  10  10  10
Gran Quivira....................  63  91  63  93 /  30  10  10   5
Carrizozo.......................  68  94  69  97 /  20  10   5   5
Ruidoso.........................  64  87  64  89 /  20  30   5  30
Capulin.........................  60  93  60  92 /   5  10  20  40
Raton...........................  59  98  59  97 /   5  10  20  30
Springer........................  61  99  61  98 /   5   5  20  20
Las Vegas.......................  60  93  61  93 /  20  10  20  20
Clayton.........................  69 101  70 103 /   0   0   5   5
Roy.............................  65  95  65  96 /   5   0  10   0
Conchas.........................  70 103  70 105 /   5   0  10   0
Santa Rosa......................  66  98  67  99 /   5   0  10   0
Tucumcari.......................  72 103  72 105 /  10   0   0   0
Clovis..........................  69 100  69 103 /  10   0   0   0
Portales........................  70 101  70 103 /  10   0   0   0
Fort Sumner.....................  70 100  71 103 /   5   0   0   0
Roswell.........................  74 102  74 105 /   5   0   0   0
Picacho.........................  68  96  68  99 /  10  10   5  10
Elk.............................  65  93  65  96 /   5  20   5  20

&&

.ABQ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Flood Watch until 9 PM MDT this evening for NMZ202-204>209-219-
220-241.

Flood Watch until 6 PM MDT this evening for NMZ226.

&&

SHORT TERM...42
LONG TERM....42
AVIATION...42

The office that day

Everything else NWS Albuquerque, NM issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jul 24, 6:16 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementABQBernalillo29 min
Jul 24, 6:20 PM MDTFlash Flood WarningABQBernalillo, Torrance, Valencia2 hr
Jul 24, 6:28 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementABQDe Baca32 min
Jul 24, 6:33 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementABQRoosevelt27 min
Jul 24, 6:38 PM MDTAreal Flood AdvisoryABQSandoval3 hr
Jul 24, 7:00 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementABQChaves30 min
Jul 24, 7:32 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementABQ28 min
Jul 24, 7:36 PM MDTAreal Flood AdvisoryABQChaves3 hr
Jul 24, 8:42 PM MDTAreal Flood AdvisoryABQRoosevelt3 hr
Jul 25, 1:53 PM MDTAreal Flood AdvisoryABQLincoln3 hr
Jul 25, 2:30 PM MDTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatABQMcKinley2 hr
Jul 25, 2:48 PM MDTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatABQLincoln2 hr

Nearby

Flash Flood Warnings in New Mexico, 2026Every flash flood warning in 2026

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.