New Mexico wakes beneath a warm, amber glow this morning as desert air rises quickly and leaves the skyline shimmering above the basin. Light haze drifts near the mountains, hinting at the breezier pattern gearing up for Saturday.
The state enters the middle of December with record or near-record warmth, a pattern meteorologists say may continue deep into next week. Today climbs into the mid-60s across Albuquerque, running more than 15° above normal for the date. Santa Fe, Farmington, Roswell, and Clovis follow the same trend, with several sites highlighted for potential record highs Saturday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Anyone planning outdoor travel or holiday prep should hydrate early and keep sun protection close — this is not typical December comfort for the region.
A shift comes Saturday as gusts of 25–40 mph develop east of the central mountain chain. Areas near Santa Rosa, Clines Corners, Fort Sumner, and Clayton may feel the strongest pushes. Drivers along I-40 and US-285 should watch for sudden crosswinds, especially around exposed ridges. To be fair, temperatures remain warm, but the combination of dry air and gusts raises fire-weather sensitivity in grasslands.
Models continue to show very low precipitation chances, reinforcing a dry stretch that may run through the third week of December. Sunday brings a slight cool-down — Albuquerque dips toward the upper 50s — but conditions stay quiet and skies stay clear. No winter weather concerns appear in the short term, though long dry spells can affect air quality and elevate static-fire risks around outdoor equipment.
