It's not every day meteorologists caution New Mexicans about potential impacts from a tropical storm.

Yet Tuesday was one of those days, spurred by a predicted increase in moisture in the Southwest this weekend as Tropical Storm Lorena moves through the Pacific Ocean. Chances of rain in New Mexico are expected to increase over the coming days before peaking Saturday, as temperatures slip to below average.

Despite the impending increase in moisture, Carter Greulich, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Albuquerque office, emphasized the state is not expected to experience tropical storm-force winds or rainfall rates. But Tropical Storm Lorena could still bring heavy rains to certain parts of the state, which could cause flash flooding, especially over burn scars.

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