BIG WEATHER CHANGE COMING BY THE END OF THE WORK WEEK... After several days of tranquil weather and relatively warm conditions, a big change is coming at the end of the work week and into the weekend as a vigorous disturbance and associated cold front sweep east across the region. Good chances for precipitation will begin Thursday night across western New Mexico and spread east with time through Friday. Snow levels will start off high, but lower on Friday night into Saturday morning to include most population centers across central and western New Mexico. At the same time, precipitation is forecast to become more focused across the western and northern mountains, where snow amounts may exceed one foot above 9,000 feet. Strong winds and much colder conditions will be notable going into the weekend, especially along and east of the central mountain chain where westerly winds gusts may reach up to 60mph. Winds will gradually subside Saturday night into Sunday. Monitor NOAA weather radio, weather.gov/abq or your local media for the latest updates on this situation.