ABC-7 First Alert: Rio Grande still a Bit High. Cooler, Cloudier, and Windier Weather Ahead

The Rio Grande is expected to slowly lower as we head through tonight. We expect some minor flooding in spots with the river coming down quite a bit more by Friday at noon.

A noticeable change in the weather is headed our way as a backdoor cold front pushes through the Borderland tonight, bringing cooler temperatures, increasing clouds and gusty east to northeast winds.

Winds will be strongest along the west slopes, where gusts could exceed 30 mph. By tomorrow, the I-10 corridor could see east winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph.

Low clouds will spread westward overnight and into Friday morning, potentially reaching the Rio Grande Valley and perhaps making it as far west as the Deming-to-Columbus area. The combination of clouds and easterly winds will keep temperatures below average. Areas farther east could remain stuck in the mid-60s much of the day, while the warmest lower elevations of southern New Mexico reach the mid-70s. El Paso County may see little more than a few sprinkles, while eastern Hudspeth County could pick up around a tenth of an inch.

Weekend Outlook

The cooler, cloudier pattern continues into Saturday. Moisture will gradually decrease, bringing fewer showers and allowing some breaks in the clouds. Most lowland locations should climb into the 70s, although areas farther east may remain cooler beneath lingering clouds.

Monday and Wednesday currently offer the best chances for additional light rain showers. Wednesday could be a little more interesting, as some instability may develop and create the potential for a few stronger thunderstorms.