Weather
New Mexico Thanksgiving Weather Alert: Rain, Snow Possible Nov. 22-28
Albuquerque, NM – New Mexico residents preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel should monitor the November 22 28 weather outlook, with rain, mountain snow and potentially icy conditions amo
By Tessa Morgan · 2026-11-15T00:32:27.002Z
Albuquerque, NM – New Mexico residents preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel should monitor the November 22 28 weather outlook, with rain, mountain snow and potentially icy conditions among the possibilities as the holiday period approaches.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's NOAA Climate Prediction Center, eight to 14 day temperature and precipitation outlooks issued Saturday, November 14, provide an early look at conditions during Thanksgiving week.
The precipitation outlook shows areas of above normal precipitation across the neighboring southern Plains and Rocky Mountain region. However, the available forecast description does not establish a specific precipitation probability category for New Mexico.
The outlook measures the probability of precipitation totals falling above, near or below normal over the seven day period. It does not predict individual storms, snowfall amounts or precipitation types.
Could New Mexico See Snow or Freezing Rain?
Snow remains possible during late November, particularly across northern New Mexico and higher elevations of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Communities including Taos, Red River, Angel Fire and Chama could experience snowfall if precipitation develops alongside sufficiently cold temperatures.
Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Vegas and Farmington could experience rain during milder periods, with snow possible if colder air arrives.
Freezing rain could also develop under certain atmospheric conditions, although no specific ice event has been identified.
Southern communities, including Las Cruces, Roswell and Carlsbad, would generally be more likely to experience rain during warmer conditions.
Thanksgiving and Black Friday Travel Outlook
Thanksgiving falls Thursday, November 26, followed by Black Friday on November 27.
Drivers traveling Interstate 25, Interstate 40, U.S. Highway 64 and U.S. Highway 550 should monitor updated forecasts.
Mountain passes and higher elevation roads could become slippery if snow develops, while rain could reduce visibility elsewhere.
However, NOAA's extended outlook does not confirm a winter storm or identify a hazardous travel period.
More detailed forecasts should clarify precipitation timing, temperatures and potential travel impacts as Thanksgiving approaches.
For now, New Mexico residents should monitor the evolving outlook, particularly when planning travel through mountainous areas.