ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque and much of northern and central New Mexico will see a warm and dry start to the week Monday, as forecasters project above-normal temperatures and no measurable precipitation through late December.
The National Weather Service said Albuquerque’s high Monday is expected to reach about 58 degrees, roughly 10 to 15 degrees above seasonal averages. Similar conditions are forecast across the region, with Santa Fe near 57, Gallup around 59, and Roswell close to 57 degrees.
Forecasters say the dry pattern is expected to persist for at least the next week, with precipitation chances remaining near zero. Climate outlooks indicate a 30 to 40 percent chance of below-normal precipitation across much of the state, while temperatures are highly likely to remain above average. Meteorologists estimate a 90 percent probability of above-normal temperatures through the period leading up to Christmas Eve.
High temperatures are expected to continue climbing through midweek, with Albuquerque reaching the low 60s Tuesday and Wednesday, and potentially mid-60s by Friday. Some eastern communities, including Tucumcari and Clovis, may approach or exceed 70 degrees, raising the possibility of record or near-record highs.
While skies remain dry, winds will become a growing concern. The National Weather Service warns that west winds will strengthen Wednesday afternoon and evening, especially along and east of the central mountain chain. Gusts of 40 to 50 mph are possible in many areas, with a 10 to 20 percent chance of isolated gusts reaching 50 to 60 mph along the Interstate 25 corridor between Las Vegas and Raton.
Officials caution that strong crosswinds could create hazardous travel for high-profile vehicles and that unsecured outdoor items may be blown around.
