Severe T-Storms Ahead Of Cold Front Today!

Another hot day is on tap for the area today with our afternoon high temps forecast to reach up into the upper 90's to near 100. A strong cold front will plow southward through SE NM tonight. Much cooler temps are forecast on Friday, with most locations only seeing highs in the 70's. The 90's will return for the weekend.

Scattered T-Storms will develop this afternoon. With forecast wind shear values around 20 knots, and surface based cape values of 1000+ j/kg, some of these T-Storms will become severe. The main severe weather hazards will be large hail, damaging thunderstorm wind gusts in excess of 60 mph, and deadly frequent cloud to ground lightning. Locally heavy rainfall may also produce localized flash flooding with some of the stronger storms.

A Look Back In Local Weather History

On September 1, 1983, at 5:50 P.M.

A tornado touched down on South First street in Artesia, NM
and causes $250,000 in damages. The tornado was rated an F0 and was ten yards wide. It blows roofs off of homes, downs trees, power lines, and blows out many windows in nearby homes. The Save More Gas Station canopy was blown in the cemetery east of gas station. The I beams supporting the canopy were twisted like pretzels. A local restaurant had its roof lifted up and then slammed down again while filled with customers. Witnesses said that the tornado was white in color and sounded like a swarm of bees but was barley visible because it was wrapped up in the rain and hail.

September 2nd, 1972- 2.20" of rain fall in Artesia, NM.

September 2nd, 1972- 2.26" of rain falls at the Carlsbad, NM Airport.

September 2nd, 1899- Roswell's high temp 63 after a morning low of 40.

The Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction!