High temperatures to threaten New Mexico's snowpack

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The windy and warm weather that's forecast to hit eastern New Mexico over the next week is expected to whittle away the state's healthy snowpack. The Albuquerque Journal reports (http://bit.ly/2n68eKB) that National Weather Service meteorologists say parts of the state will reach record or near-record highs this week. Snowpack in New Mexico's northern mountains remained healthy Monday, but meteorologist Kerry Jones says the high-elevation winds and warm weather could cause significant melt-off. Predicted highs on Thursday include 88 degrees in Roswell, 86 degrees in Tucumcari, 77 in Albuquerque and 67 in Santa Fe. Strong, gusty winds on the high plains Thursday are likely to bring elevated fire risk.