Albuquerque, NM – A powerful wind event combined with record December warmth is expected across northern and central New Mexico on Wednesday, creating potential travel hazards and widespread weather impacts for the region.
According to the National Weather Service Albuquerque, strong to damaging winds will develop Wednesday afternoon and continue through Thursday morning, especially across eastern New Mexico. Peak gusts are forecast to reach 50 to 65 mph, with the strongest winds expected Wednesday evening and overnight. These winds may create hazardous crosswinds along major corridors, including Interstate 40, U.S. 285, and U.S. 54.
Forecasters say the wind threat arrives during an unusual stretch of warmth that is likely to continue through at least next Tuesday. Many areas across northern and central New Mexico are expected to reach 15 to 25 degrees above normal each afternoon, with multiple cities forecast to tie or break records.
In Albuquerque, high temperatures from Wednesday through Saturday are projected to run between 60° and 69°, while Roswell may climb into the upper 70s to near 80° on several days. Locations such as Tucumcari, Clovis, and Santa Fe also show repeated record or near-record highs, highlighted on the National Weather Service outlook.
No precipitation is forecast during the next week, though long-range guidance suggests a potential pattern shift around December 24–30. If moisture does arrive in western New Mexico near or shortly after Christmas, forecasters say any snow would be confined to the highest elevations.
Drivers of high-profile vehicles are urged to use caution during peak winds, secure loose outdoor items, and remain weather-aware as conditions rapidly change Wednesday into early Thursday.
