Albuquerque sits in a high desert valley along the Rio Grande and receives only around 230 mm (about 9 inches) of rain a year, with the summer North American Monsoon from July through September responsible for the large majority of it. Monsoon thunderstorms here can build quickly over the nearby Sandia Mountains in the afternoon and produce intense, localized downpours capable of flash flooding the city’s many normally-dry arroyos within minutes, a well-known seasonal hazard for hikers and residents in low-lying areas. Because a typical week outside monsoon season involves essentially no rain, radar becomes especially critical during the concentrated summer storm window. NWS Doppler radar KABX (Albuquerque) covers the region.
Learn more: How Does Rain Radar Work? · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Albuquerque right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Albuquerque, New Mexico in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Albuquerque, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Albuquerque rain radar update?
The radar refreshes continuously, typically every few minutes, so the map reflects current conditions rather than an hours-old forecast. Press play to animate the most recent frames.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Albuquerque?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over New Mexico are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Albuquerque or pass by.
Is this Albuquerque rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.