NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Quieter weather conditions will prevail for most on this Independence Day as despite few clusters of thunderstorms forming yesterday, nearly everyone isn't only just starting off rain-free, but also, starting off much clearer from clouds despite some broken clouds in southern New Mexico. A few thunderstorms are possible in the southern half of the region, especially near Ruidoso and in The Pecos River Valley later today, but everywhere else will be drier, as well as hotter. The drier air-mass inbound from The Four Corners has made its way through the northwest half of The Land of Enchantment with an enchanting start with lower humidity as temperatures are starting off in the 40's, 50's, 60's, and low 70's, while conditions are muggier to the southeast with temperatures in the 70's for most in that region. The Monsoonal moisture to the south may produce a few isolated showers and rumbles of thunder near The Gila National Forest later today, but Mother Nature will most likely produce fireworks of her own well to the southeast of The Metro. Temperatures will skyrocket well into the 80's, 90's, and lower triple digits for most locations with upper-70-degree high temperatures confined to parts of The Northern Mountains. A backdoor cold front from the northeast plains will creep farther to the southwest later today, combining with the daytime heating and moisture in southeastern areas to produce a few pockets of heavy rain, some large hail, strong wind gusts, as well as frequent lightning. While hot and dry air with southwesterly winds will dominate the rest of the region for most of the day, that front will push through overnight with gusty east-northeasterly winds through the east-facing canyons. Western areas will remain hot and dry tomorrow while eastern areas will have the higher chance for thunderstorms. That trend may linger around for the first half of the weekend.