New Mexico – Warm air drapes across the state early this morning, softening what should feel like late December. The breeze cuts across open highways, and dust lifts off dry shoulders, a reminder that travel conditions are changing even before winter fully returns.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, today brings near-record to record warmth across much of northern and central New Mexico. Highs climb into the 60s and 70s for many lower elevations, including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Roswell. Winds turn breezy to gusty, especially across eastern New Mexico, creating difficult driving on north-to-south routes like I-25 and U.S. Highway 285 between Las Vegas and Raton Pass.
Friday stays mild but remains windy at times, keeping travel tiring for high-profile vehicles. Skies stay mostly dry, though isolated showers remain possible across northwest New Mexico and higher peaks. Mountain summits may see brief snow, but impacts remain limited for now.
The pattern flips over the weekend. Cooler air slides in Saturday night, setting up a noticeable temperature drop by Sunday. Rain and snow chances increase across north-central New Mexico, including areas near Santa Fe, Los Alamos, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. While widespread heavy snow is not indicated, even light snow could affect mountain travel and visibility.
By Sunday and especially Monday, colder air settles in statewide. Highs drop into the 40s and 50s for many communities, with colder mornings and a sharper winter feel returning. Travelers heading home after Christmas should plan for changing conditions, especially during early morning hours.
Winds ease as colder air arrives, but slick spots could develop where rain or snow falls. Meteorologists continue monitoring the timing and extent of the cool-down. Additional advisories may follow as winter reasserts itself heading into the final week of December.
