May is often one of our drier months in Santa Fe, so what is causing us to have several days of rain? It's called the Omega Block.
What's Up with the Rainy Forecast?
May 5, 2025
By Jay Faught
What Is an Omega Block?
An Omega Block is a large-scale, stationary weather pattern characterized by a high-pressure system flanked by two low-pressure systems, forming a shape reminiscent of the Greek letter Omega (Ω) in the jet stream. This configuration disrupts the typical west-to-east movement of weather systems, leading to prolonged periods of consistent weather in affected regions.
How Does It Affect Weather?
The Omega Block's structure causes varying weather impacts:
Under the High-Pressure Ridge:
Regions experience stable, dry, and often warmer-than-average conditions.
Under the Low-Pressure Troughs:
Areas are subjected to unsettled weather, including increased cloudiness, precipitation, and cooler temperatures. Santa Fe will be impacted by the low pressure.
This type of pattern is relatively rare and can persist for several days or even weeks, locking in specific weather conditions over affected regions. For Santa Fe, that means an extended stretch of cooler and wetter weather than we typically see in May.
Broader Impacts Across the U.S.
The Omega Block's influence extends beyond Santa Fe:
Southern U.S.:
Experiencing heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving 3-6 inches, leading to potential flooding.
Northeast:
Benefiting from 1-3 inches of rain, alleviating drought conditions in some areas.
Northern Plains:
Encountering unseasonably warm temperatures due to the high-pressure ridge.
Looking Ahead
As the Omega Block persists, Santa Fe can expect continued cooler and wetter conditions in the short term. However, forecasts suggest a return to more typical spring weather patterns by next week as the jet stream shifts and the Omega Block dissipates.
Santa Fe Weather
Updated Storm Track for Weekend Storm November 14, 2025 By Jay Faught The storm system we’ve been watching all week has shifted—but this time, it’s slowing down and taking a more northerly route. That updated path dramatically changes the weekend forecast for Santa Fe and northern New Mexico. A Slower, More Northern Storm Track Earlier projections had the storm sweeping into New Mexico sooner, with a more organized band of moisture. But the latest data shows the system digging more slowly along the West Coast and pushing a bit farther north than originally expected. That shift means Southern California will now take the brunt of the storm, with periods of heavy rain and even flooding concerns in some areas. For us in Santa Fe, however, the impacts will be much more limited. Santa Fe’s Updated Forecast: Light and Late Instead of showers developing Saturday or early Sunday, the latest timing suggests isolated light rain showers won’t arrive until Sunday night. The moisture feed simply doesn’t extend far enough south to bring widespread precipitation to our area. Here’s what that means for your weekend plans: Most of the weekend stays dry—great news if you're planning outdoor activities around town or on the trails. Isolated showers Sunday night may bring brief dampness but nothing widespread or soaking. Snow Levels: Staying High There will be just enough moisture and lift Sunday night into early Monday for a few flakes in the higher terrain: Light snow is possible above 9,000 feet, mainly over the highest peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Accumulations look minimal, and ski areas won’t see major impacts, though the first hints of winter are always exciting. Valleys, including Santa Fe, will stay warm enough for just light rain if anything at all. Bottom Line While this storm is impressive for the West Coast, its slower and more northern track means Santa Fe will see only minor impacts—mostly a few isolated showers Sunday night and perhaps a dusting of snow high in the mountains. A bigger takeaway: this pattern shift still hints at an active atmosphere as we move deeper into November. It’s a good reminder that our storm season is just getting started.
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