New Mexico greets the morning with cool air and gray skies, a quiet start before winter slowly tightens its grip. For now, conditions stay calm. The shift arrives later, just as post-holiday travel ramps up.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, clouds linger through Christmas with mild afternoons holding near 65 degrees. A slight chance of sprinkles develops on Christmas Day, but most locations stay dry. Roads remain in good shape, though damp patches could appear during brief showers.
By Thursday night and Friday, skies partially clear and temperatures ease lower. Highs settle near 61 degrees, while nighttime lows dip into the mid-30s. The air turns crisper after sunset, and shaded pavement cools quickly. Drivers heading out early should stay alert for colder pockets.
The bigger change comes by Saturday, when post-Christmas travel begins. Daytime temperatures hover near 61 degrees, but clouds return and cold air builds underneath. Once the sun sets, readings fall toward 31 degrees, setting up a classic late-December hazard.
Even without snow, frost and light ice can form on bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads. Any leftover moisture from earlier sprinkles may freeze fast. This is prime time for sudden slick spots, especially late Saturday night.
Looking ahead, confidence grows for a colder pattern into early next week. A 20 percent chance of snow showers appears Sunday night, followed by another slight rain-and-snow chance Monday. While accumulation is uncertain, the trend favors winter making a firmer appearance.
Travel tips:
Plan extra time after dark. Slow down on elevated roads. Keep gloves and layers handy.
📅 Five-Day Outlook — Albuquerque, NM
- Christmas Day: Slight sprinkles, high 65
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, low 35
- Friday: Partly sunny, high 61
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high 61
- Saturday Night: Cold, low near 31
