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NEWS

New Mexico could break August heat records this week

Scattered rain showers may bring slight reprieve during heat advisory

Kamila, 4, plays in the just-opened splash pad at Alamosa Park.
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August heat is shaping up to be one for the record books across New Mexico. Several cities could break records for hottest August temperatures ever recorded.

Albuquerque is expected to reach the low 100s early this week before temperatures briefly ease into the 90s over the weekend as storms push through the state, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Michael Anand.

"Storms will be basically from southwest New Mexico on a line up to northeast New Mexico, favoring the higher terrain and nearby lower elevations," he said.

The city's highest projected temperature this week is 103 degrees, which would surpass Albuquerque's all-time August record of 102 degrees, Anand said.

Sandia High School football players run drills on the first day of practice Monday. It was a hot start to the season. Temperates in Albuquerque climbed over 100 degrees and across the state, several cities could see hottest-ever temperatures this month. See coverage of prep football on B1 and weather on A3.

A heat advisory was issued Monday for Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Temperatures in Albuquerque were expected to climb between 100 and 105 degrees. Temperatures at the Albuquerque International Sunport were just shy of 101 degrees on Monday, according to the service’s website.

The start of the week also marked the second consecutive week of triple-digit temperatures, according to KOAT meteorologist Eric Green.

Scattered storms could provide some relief. Green said July was drier than normal, with 1.43 inches of rainfall compared to the average of 1.6 inches.

"These are the two months where we really hope to make some progress or to make some gains," he said. "We're back in the daily storm chance mode for Albuquerque in particular."

Green said that while rain chances remain low, Albuquerque could see showers each day through at least the weekend.

Farmington broke its August temperature record of 102 degrees on Sunday, Anand said.

"For the rest of the week, it's generally lower elevations (that) are going to be in the upper 90s to low 100s, with the hottest temperatures more in central and south-central New Mexico, like the Rio Grande Valley," Anand said.

Eastern New Mexico is expected to see similar conditions, with highs ranging from the mid-90s to the low 100s.

Anand said temperatures could ease next week as the "monsoon high" — an atmospheric circulation pattern that helps determine the course of the Southwest monsoon — shifts into the southeastern ϼ States.

"That will result in our traditional monsoon flow," he said.

As temperatures climb toward potentially record-breaking levels, the National Weather Service urged residents to limit time outdoors. If outside activity is necessary, it should be done during the early morning or evening whenever possible.

"But if you do have to work outside during the hottest part of the day, remember to stay hydrated, take those frequent shade breaks, and try to spend some time indoors in an air-conditioned place so you can keep yourself cool and avoid getting that heat exhaustion," Anand said.

Nakayla McClelland covers crime and breaking news. Reach her at nmcclelland@abqjournal.com or at 505-823-3857.