Higher moisture along and east of the central mountain chain combined with a disturbance moving north into the state ahead of an upper low over California resulting in the development of scattered thunderstorms across the central mountain chain and nearby highlands during the afternoon and evening hours. A few storms became strong to severe resulting in nickel size hail in Santa Fe and half…
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Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS ABQ wrote it up.
Higher moisture along and east of the central mountain chain combined with a disturbance moving north into the state ahead of an upper low over California resulting in the development of scattered thunderstorms across the central mountain chain and nearby highlands during the afternoon and evening hours. A few storms became strong to severe resulting in nickel size hail in Santa Fe and half dollar to ping pong ball size hail in northern Union County east-northeast of Des Moines, NM.
The local office's own words before the first event, 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 the first event at May 28, 4:50 PM MST, 25 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion...UPDATED National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 550 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026 ...New AVIATION... .KEY MESSAGES... Updated at 531 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026 - Thunderstorms producing cloud-to-ground lightning, strong wind gusts, hail, and brief locally heavy rain will favor portions of the central mountain chain and eastern New Mexico through Friday afternoon. - Critical fire weather conditions will increase the risk of rapid fire spread across far west-central New Mexico through early this evening and over western New Mexico Friday afternoon. && .SHORT TERM... (This evening through Friday night) Issued at 200 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026 An upper low over California and the Great Basin this afternoon is pulling up low and mid level moisture across central and especially eastern NM. This higher moisture (PWATS between 0.5 to 0.8 inches) combined with a shortwave/jet streak rotating northeast over northwest Mexico is resulting in the development of scattered showers and thunderstorms across the central and south central highlands and mountains early to mid this afternoon. Coverage will be highest across the Capitan Mountains and surrounding areas northeast of Ruidoso, so the Seven Cabins burn scar will need to watched for potential flash flooding. Isolated to scattered showers and storms move east across parts of the eastern plains this evening. These isolated storms look to linger across portions of the east central and southeast plains overnight as the shortwave moves across south central and eastern NM. Meanwhile, it will be dry and breezy west of the central mountain chain this afternoon due to increasing southerly flow ahead of the upper low. Temperatures will be around average for the end of May. The upper low slowly opens up as it swings over southern NV, southern UT, and northern AZ Friday. Some isolated storms along the NM/TX border Friday afternoon due to lingering higher low level moisture across this part of the state. A few storms will be capable of becoming strong to severe due to higher bulk shear values of 35 to 40 kts. Meanwhile across western and central NM, deep mixing will tap into drier and stronger 500-700 winds of 30 to 45 kts resulting in breezy to locally windy conditions. South-southwest wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph combined with low relative humidity values and dry fuels will result in a higher risk for rapid fire spread across western NM Friday afternoon. Winds will taper off and turn westerly late Friday evening and into the overnight hours as a weak front sweeps through the state. && .LONG TERM... (Saturday through Wednesday) Issued at 200 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026 Dry west mid and upper level flow across the state Saturday south of an upper low over western Wyoming. Western and central NM will be a touch cooler Saturday due to Friday evening's front while eastern NM will be a touch warmer due to downslope southwest winds. Breezy winds across northeast and east central NM Saturday afternoon due to a surface lee trough. Near average temperatures across western and central NM and slightly above average temperatures across eastern NM Sunday with dry southwest flow south of a stalled upper low over the northern Rockies. A weak trough begins developing off southern CA along with some higher moisture returning across the eastern plains Monday. This could result in a few isolated high based showers and storms near the Texas border Monday afternoon and evening. The weak trough off southern CA moves east towards the desert SW Tuesday and closes off into a baggy upper low over the desert SW and northern Mexico next Wednesday and Thursday. This will allow higher moisture and better shower and storm chances to return to areas along and east of the central mountain chain Tuesday with drier shower and storm activity between the Continental Divide and central mountain chain. Outflows from storms across the central mountain chain Tuesday will push the higher moisture and better shower and storm coverage west to much of western and central NM Wednesday and next Thursday. Slow and erratic storm motion due to a lack of mid and upper level flow Tuesday-next Thursday along with soils becoming more saturated during the period will help to increase the risk of flash flooding on area burn scars, especially the ones across Lincoln County. && .AVIATION... (00Z TAFS) Issued at 531 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026 A couple areas of SHRA/TS from near Ruidoso north toward Moriarty and from near Raton to Clayton will continue thru 10pm. Convective SIGMETs and Center Weather Advisories are in effect. Storm motion is north/northeast at 15-25KT but a couple cells have anchored to terrain with motions <10KT. This activity will taper off in most areas except eastern NM from KROW to KTCC where SHRA may persist well into the overnight. Mid level cigs in place over central and eastern NM Friday morning will give way to partial clearing by the afternoon. Isolated to scattered SHRA/TS will develop again over eastern NM after 2pm then move east/northeast into west TX. && .FIRE WEATHER... Issued at 200 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026 Breezy south winds, combined with low minimum relative humidity values and dry fuels across far west central New Mexico will result in critical fire weather conditions this afternoon. Isolated to scattered showers and storms across the central mountain chain adjacent highlands, and parts of the eastern plains this afternoon and evening. Stronger south-southwest winds across the area Friday afternoon with the strongest wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph across western New Mexico. These winds combined with dry fuels and minimum relative humidity values in the upper single digits to low teens across western New Mexico will result in critical fire weather conditions and a higher risk for rapid fire spread. Lower confidence in critical fire weather conditions across the middle and lower Rio Grande Valley due to borderline winds across Socorro and White Sands Missile Range and lower ERC values across the Albuquerque area due to precipitation early this week. Isolated strong to severe storms near the Texas border Friday afternoon. Dry with near average temperatures for late May this weekend. Breezy southwest winds across northeast and east central New Mexico Saturday afternoon. Higher moisture gradually expands westward beginning Tuesday resulting in higher shower and storm coverage along and east of the central mountain chain Thursday and most areas Wednesday and next Thursday. Slow storm motion and soils becoming more saturated during the period will increase the risk for burn scar flash flooding. && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Farmington...................... 52 83 44 76 / 5 0 0 0 Dulce........................... 43 79 34 72 / 5 0 0 0 Cuba............................ 48 77 40 72 / 0 0 0 0 Gallup.......................... 40 78 36 74 / 0 0 0 0 El Morro........................ 44 76 39 72 / 0 0 0 0 Grants.......................... 45 80 39 76 / 0 0 0 0 Quemado......................... 45 77 40 75 / 0 0 0 0 Magdalena....................... 54 81 48 80 / 0 0 0 0 Datil........................... 48 76 43 76 / 0 0 0 0 Reserve......................... 42 77 37 79 / 0 0 0 0 Glenwood........................ 46 81 42 82 / 0 0 0 0 Chama........................... 41 72 34 66 / 5 5 5 0 Los Alamos...................... 54 78 49 76 / 5 0 0 0 Pecos........................... 48 76 44 73 / 20 10 0 0 Cerro/Questa.................... 49 74 43 71 / 5 5 0 0 Red River....................... 40 65 36 61 / 5 10 0 0 Angel Fire...................... 41 70 35 67 / 10 20 0 0 Taos............................ 46 77 41 75 / 5 5 0 0 Mora............................ 47 73 42 74 / 20 20 5 0 Espanola........................ 53 84 46 81 / 5 0 0 0 Santa Fe........................ 54 78 48 75 / 10 5 0 0 Santa Fe Airport................ 52 81 46 78 / 10 5 0 0 Albuquerque Foothills........... 61 85 55 82 / 0 0 0 0 Albuquerque Heights............. 57 86 52 84 / 0 0 0 0 Albuquerque Valley.............. 56 89 51 86 / 0 0 0 0 Albuquerque West Mesa........... 58 86 53 83 / 0 0 0 0 Belen........................... 54 90 49 86 / 0 0 0 0 Bernalillo...................... 58 87 53 84 / 0 0 0 0 Bosque Farms.................... 53 89 48 85 / 0 0 0 0 Corrales........................ 58 87 53 84 / 0 0 0 0 Los Lunas....................... 54 89 50 85 / 0 0 0 0 Placitas........................ 58 85 54 81 / 0 0 0 0 Rio Rancho...................... 57 86 53 83 / 0 0 0 0 Socorro......................... 60 90 54 89 / 0 0 0 0 Sandia Park/Cedar Crest......... 55 79 49 76 / 0 0 0 0 Tijeras......................... 54 81 49 77 / 0 0 0 0 Edgewood........................ 52 80 47 77 / 5 0 0 0 Moriarty/Estancia............... 49 82 45 79 / 5 0 0 0 Clines Corners.................. 51 77 47 75 / 5 5 0 0 Mountainair..................... 51 80 47 78 / 0 0 0 0 Gran Quivira.................... 52 79 48 78 / 0 0 0 0 Carrizozo....................... 59 81 56 80 / 5 0 0 0 Ruidoso......................... 55 76 52 76 / 20 0 0 0 Capulin......................... 45 76 43 78 / 20 20 5 0 Raton........................... 47 79 43 81 / 20 20 5 0 Springer........................ 48 81 44 83 / 20 20 5 0 Las Vegas....................... 49 76 45 76 / 20 20 0 0 Clayton......................... 52 81 50 85 / 20 10 5 0 Roy............................. 50 79 47 82 / 20 20 5 0 Conchas......................... 55 86 53 89 / 20 20 0 0 Santa Rosa...................... 54 84 52 86 / 20 20 0 0 Tucumcari....................... 57 87 56 91 / 20 20 0 0 Clovis.......................... 59 85 56 89 / 20 30 0 0 Portales........................ 59 85 56 90 / 20 20 0 0 Fort Sumner..................... 57 86 53 89 / 20 30 0 0 Roswell......................... 61 89 57 94 / 30 5 0 0 Picacho......................... 56 85 54 87 / 30 5 0 0 Elk............................. 54 81 53 83 / 30 0 0 0 && .ABQ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Red Flag Warning from noon to 8 PM MDT Friday for NMZ101-105-109. Red Flag Warning until 8 PM MDT this evening for NMZ105. && SHORT TERM...71 LONG TERM....71 AVIATION...42
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
337 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026
NMZ215-228-282200-
Far Northeast Highlands NM-East Slopes Sangre de Cristo Mountains
NM-
337 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN COLFAX COUNTY UNTIL
4 PM MDT...
At 337 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 5
miles south of Philmont Scout Ranch, or 21 miles west of Springer,
moving east at 10 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel 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.
Locations impacted include...
Cimarron, Philmont Scout Ranch, Rayado and Miami.
This includes Highway 64 between Mile Markers 306 and 316.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.
Persons in campgrounds should consider seeking sturdy shelter until
this storm passes.
Heavy rains from severe thunderstorms can produce sudden and
dangerous flows in arroyos, ditches and over low water crossings. Do
not attempt to drive through areas where water covers the roadway.
&&
LAT...LON 3632 10503 3640 10509 3651 10501 3658 10480
3631 10472
TIME...MOT...LOC 2136Z 274DEG 6KT 3641 10496
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
24Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
441 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026
NMZ239-282315-
Eastern Lincoln County NM-
441 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN LINCOLN COUNTY
UNTIL 515 PM MDT...
At 441 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 6
miles south of Tinnie, or 25 miles east of Ruidoso, moving northeast
at 10 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel 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.
Locations impacted include...
Tinnie and Sunset.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.
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.
&&
LAT...LON 3318 10527 3331 10532 3348 10509 3326 10495
TIME...MOT...LOC 2241Z 240DEG 10KT 3329 10523
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
24Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
446 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026
NMZ211-218-219-282315-
Jemez Mountains NM-Santa Fe Metro Area NM-Middle Rio Grande
Valley including the Albuquerque Metro Area NM-
446 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN SANDOVAL COUNTY
UNTIL 515 PM MDT...
At 446 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
San Felipe Pueblo, or 14 miles northeast of Bernalillo, moving
northeast at 10 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph 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.
Locations impacted include...
Santo Domingo Pueblo, Kewa Pueblo, San Felipe Pueblo, Domingo, Pena
Blanca and Algodones.
This includes Interstate 25 between Mile Markers 247 and 263.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.
Motorists can expect brief but sudden changes in visibility and
ponding of water on roadways as storms move through the area.
&&
LAT...LON 3541 10652 3542 10653 3553 10653 3560 10651
3559 10638 3556 10625 3543 10625 3536 10636
3535 10638 3535 10647 3539 10651
TIME...MOT...LOC 2246Z 214DEG 7KT 3544 10637
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
24Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
527 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026
NMZ227-230-282345-
Union County NM-Johnson and Bartlett Mesas Including Raton Pass
NM-
527 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN UNION AND
NORTHEASTERN COLFAX COUNTIES UNTIL 545 PM MDT...
At 527 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 13
miles northeast of Des Moines, and is stationary.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and nickel 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.
Locations impacted include...
Mainly rural areas of Northwestern Union and Northeastern Colfax
Counties.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.
Heavy rains from severe thunderstorms can produce sudden and
dangerous flows in arroyos, ditches and over low water crossings. Do
not attempt to drive through areas where water covers the roadway.
&&
LAT...LON 3700 10383 3700 10375 3700 10352 3690 10355
3681 10370 3689 10400 3700 10401
TIME...MOT...LOC 2327Z 231DEG 1KT 3693 10373
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 TO 55 MPH
24The Pueblo radar (KPUX), 188 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 00:16 UTC.
4 hail. Local standard time, as filed.
An observer 15 miles east of Des Moines reported ping pong ball size hail from a severe thunderstorm.
The Santa Fe emergency manager observed nickel size hail in midtown Santa Fe from a strong thunderstorm.
An amateur radio spotter observed nickel size hail a few miles west of the Santa Fe Plaza from a strong thunderstorm.
Half dollar size hail was observed 9 miles east-northeast of Des Moines from a severe thunderstorm.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in New Mexico in 2026Every state in 2026This day in weather historyWarnings in New Mexico, May 2026
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1327789, 1327790, 1327791, 1327795.