Clovis, New Mexico – Areas of freezing fog are creating slick travel conditions and dangerously low visibility across eastern New Mexico Saturday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque reports that freezing fog developed overnight behind a cold front and has expanded across much of the eastern plains. Visibility in some areas has dropped to less than one-quarter mile, while a thin glaze of ice may form on roadways, bridges, and elevated surfaces.
Forecasters warn that freezing fog not only limits visibility but can also create unexpected slick spots, particularly on untreated roads. Travel impacts are most likely along Interstate 40, US-60, US-285, US-62, and US-87, especially during the early morning hours.
Cold temperatures across eastern New Mexico are contributing to the persistence of fog and icy conditions. While gradual warming is expected later today for western and central parts of the state, eastern areas may remain colder longer due to cloud cover. The National Weather Service notes that freezing fog should gradually improve by late morning as temperatures rise and fog dissipates.
Looking ahead, a gradual warming trend will expand eastward Sunday, with temperatures peaking Monday. However, forecasters also highlight a low chance (10 to 20 percent) for light rain or snow showers across northeast and east-central New Mexico Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, followed by slightly cooler conditions midweek before milder weather returns.
Drivers are urged to slow down, use low-beam headlights in fog, and allow extra stopping distance. Even roads that appear wet may be icy in spots, particularly on bridges and shaded areas.
These conditions may be especially hazardous for early-morning commuters, commercial drivers, and travelers across the eastern plains Saturday morning.
