Log In


Reset Password
News Education Local News Nation & World New Mexico

Storm edging Durango

Rain system rides this way

As giant gray and ominous clouds slowly sailed Sunday over Durango and winds blustered leaves across streets and sidewalks, it looked as if the sky could open at any time. But, as of Sunday evening, it couldn’t quite manage to pull off the feat.

Durango and vicinity are sitting at the edge of a stormy system that is pushing north into the mountains, according to the National Weather Service, and whether it hits town or not is anybody’s guess.

“It’s going to kind of continue, this unsettled weather pattern,” said meteorologist Tom Renwick of the weather service. “It’s been happening these last couple of days. We call it orographics.”

Orographic lift occurs when air is forced from lower elevations to higher elevations, rising and cooling because of terrain features such as hills or mountains, according to the weather service. When the air cools fast enough, water vapor becomes clouds, and they can create precipitation.

“What it’s going to do is increase the amount moisture available for storms,” Renwick said. “And there is a chance for Durango.”

Forecasters are predicting a 40 percent chance of rain Monday, mostly light afternoon and evening showers, with a high of 68 and low 40. Tuesday’s chances rise to 60 percent, and the temperature drops, with a high of 58 and a low of 40.

“There will be scattered thunderstorms and showers around, but nothing you can sink your teeth into,” Renwick said. “But that could change, especially in Durango.”

In 2000, the high for May 3 was 81 degrees. In 1998, it was 24.

“You know how the weather goes,” Renwick said.

A nice breeze might pick up late in the week and into the weekend.

“If that low pressure drops down and tightens up that (temperature) gradient, it could get pretty windy,” he said. “You guys will notice it.”

bmathis@durangoherald.com



Reader Comments