Why forecasting New Mexico weather can be tricky; Beyond the Forecast
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Despite averaging over 300 days of sunshine each year, New Mexico’s weather is always changing. On this inaugural episode of “Beyond the Forecast,” KRQE Chief Meteorologist Grant Tosterud, alongside meteorologists Ryan DePhillips and Josh Redwine, show viewers what it’s like to forecast New Mexico’s weather. From flooding, record temperatures, fires, dust storms, and plenty more, the KRQE Weather Team breaks down what goes into the forecast.
A lot goes into forecasting the weather in New Mexico. Meteorologists use forecast models to give an idea of what to expect in the future. These forecast models can predict anything from rainfall to snowfall, temperatures, dew points, upper air winds, and more. But these models are not perfect. That’s what makes a meteorologist important – to go in with their knowledge and local expertise and refine the forecast to be as accurate as possible. Meteorologists also utilize surface weather observations, satellite and radar, upper air winds, and climatology to help make their forecasts.
To tell the forecast, KRQE does things a little differently. KRQE meteorologists educate their viewers daily on why the weather is happening the way it is with explainer graphics. These explainer graphics go into the big picture of what the weather is going to be like in the next day or week, and tell you why it’s going to happen that way.
New Mexico experiences a wide range of weather, from snow, wind, dust storms, severe weather, tornadoes, monsoon season, flash flooding, extreme heat, and extreme cold. Forecasting all of that weather with New Mexico’s wide range of geography can be a challenge. Especially with only four minutes to talk about it all.
This episode will give the viewer a better understanding of how challenging forecasting the weather in New Mexico can be.
About Beyond the Forecast
At KRQE News 13, the weather team works hard to bring you accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information in their forecasts. To give people a better understanding of the science behind the weather, Chief Meteorologist Grant Tosterud and the weather team are bringing audiences a new series called “Beyond the Forecast.” From flooding, record temperatures, fires, dust storms, and more, this show brings audiences beyond the forecast. The weekly 30-minute episodes educate the audience on why the weather is happening the way it is.
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