Weather
New Mexico Winter Weather Awareness Week Oct 25-31: Wind Chill Danger
Santa Fe, NM – Could a short walk to work, a wait at an Albuquerque bus stop or a few minutes outdoors in the mountains be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday,
By Nora Whitfield · 2026-10-26T10:33:16.796Z
Santa Fe, NM – Could a short walk to work, a wait at an Albuquerque bus stop or a few minutes outdoors in the mountains be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26, New Mexico residents are being reminded that strong winds and freezing temperatures can create serious health risks, especially at higher elevations.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , wind chill describes how cold the air feels on exposed skin when air temperature and wind speed are combined. Wind accelerates heat loss from the body, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
For example, when the air temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit and winds reach 20 mph, the wind chill is approximately 22 degrees below zero.
How Quickly Can Frostbite Develop? NWS guidance indicates exposed skin may develop frostbite in approximately 30 minutes at wind chills near 20 degrees below zero. At substantially lower wind chills, frostbite can develop in 10 minutes or less.
These are approximate estimates that depend on conditions and individual exposure.
Frostbite warning signs include numbness and pale or waxy looking skin. Hypothermia can cause shivering, confusion, slurred speech and unusual drowsiness. Suspected hypothermia requires urgent medical attention.
What's the Difference Between an Extreme Cold Watch and Warning? An Extreme Cold Watch means dangerously cold conditions are possible. Residents should prepare and monitor forecast updates.
An Extreme Cold Warning means dangerously cold conditions are expected or occurring. Residents should limit outdoor exposure and take protective precautions.
Wind chill does not make cars, pipes or other objects colder than the actual air temperature, although strong winds can cause them to cool toward that temperature faster.
How Can New Mexico Residents Stay Safe? Before extreme cold arrives:
Cover exposed skin: Wear insulated gloves, hats, scarves, face coverings and wind resistant outerwear. Dress in layers: Keep clothing warm and dry, replacing wet garments promptly. Limit exposure: Take indoor warming breaks and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity during extreme cold warnings. Prepare supplies: Keep blankets, medications, food, water, flashlights and charged phones available. Stock vehicles: Carry extra clothing, blankets, a phone charger, flashlight and winter emergency kit. Never operate generators, grills or outdoor fuel burning heaters inside homes or garages because of deadly carbon monoxide risks.
Why It Matters Across New Mexico From Albuquerque and Bernalillo County to Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Las Cruces, Farmington, Gallup, Los Alamos, Taos, Española, Raton, Clovis and Roswell, dangerous wind chills can affect communities across the state.
Northern New Mexico, including Taos, Colfax, Rio Arriba and San Miguel counties, can experience particularly bitter temperatures during Arctic outbreaks.
The Sangre de Cristo Mountains, including areas near Taos Ski Valley, Red River and Angel Fire, can experience powerful winds and extreme cold at higher elevations.
Across eastern New Mexico, open terrain near Clayton, Tucumcari, Clovis and Portales can leave agricultural workers, ranchers and stranded motorists exposed to strong winter winds.
In the Albuquerque metropolitan area, commuters waiting for ABQ RIDE buses or working outdoors may face prolonged exposure when freezing temperatures combine with gusty winds.
Southern New Mexico communities, including Las Cruces and Alamogordo, can also experience dangerous cold during unusual Arctic outbreaks, particularly in surrounding higher terrain.
Travelers along Interstate 25, Interstate 40, Interstate 10 and U.S. Highway 64 should keep winter emergency supplies available in case of breakdowns.
As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues through Saturday, October 31, residents are encouraged to review emergency supplies, check on vulnerable neighbors and monitor official NWS forecasts.
Remember: Wind chill doesn't change the air temperature. It changes how quickly your body loses heat — and how quickly exposed skin can become injured.