November 2, 2024.
7 Miles West Of Eunice, NM.
Large Rotating Wall Cloud With A Beavers Tail.Quick Hitting Storm For Thanksgiving.
My cover photo was taken 7 miles west of Eunice in Lea County on November 2, 2024. Looking west along St Hwy 176 at a rotating large bell-shaped wall cloud with a beaver's tail. A couple of brief tornadoes formed on the southern end of the wall cloud.
Here is a quick update since Mother Nature has decided to change her mind somewhat concerning our Thanksgiving storm. A rather fast-moving storm will produce up to an additional 5" of new snowfall over the Tusas mountains, including the Chama area today.
Strong westerly winds will continue to rake the central mountain chain and nearby eastern slopes today. Westerly winds sustained to 30 - 35 mph with gusts to 50-55 mph are forecast.
Westerly winds sustained at 30 - 40 mph with gusts near 65 mph are forecast for the Guadalupe Mountains of Eddy and Culberson Counties.
High temps today will be in the 40's and 50's across the northern one-half of the state. The southern half of the state will see the 60's and 70's. The southeastern plains will be in the upper 70's to near 80 with westerly winds gusting up to around 40 mph.
A cold front is currently sliding southward through the state and by sunrise Thanksgiving morning a colder airmass will be settling in over the area. High temps statewide will average close to a little below normal Thanksgiving Day into the holiday weekend. A warming trend will commence next week.
As the front settles southward tonight areas of light snow, freezing fog, and freezing drizzle are forecast to develop over parts of western, northern, northeastern, and eastern New Mexico. As well as across parts of eastern and the northern sections of southeastern New Mexico. 1" to 2" of snow will be possible over the central mountain chain with less than an inch expected across the lower elevations.
The Cloudcroft, Ruidoso, Roswell, Artesia, and Tatum areas may see light snow flurries or even a little bit of light snow but overall nothing significant is currently forecast for these areas.
Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving and holiday weekend everyone!
