A sharp chill is sweeping across New Mexico this morning as the first signs of early December’s winter grip begin to settle in. Skies are clear but the air feels biting — that dry, high-desert cold that settles deep before sunrise. By Tuesday, colder air sliding in from the north could bring the season’s first true taste of winter to Albuquerque and surrounding Bernalillo County.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, temperatures will hover near 52°F on Tuesday before plunging to the upper 20s overnight. That quick drop means slick spots and frost formation are likely early Wednesday, particularly on bridges and shaded highways. Drivers should plan for slower morning commutes and potential patchy ice, especially along I-25 and I-40 corridors.
Meteorologists say the week ahead will remain mostly dry, though a late-week system could stir up a mix of rain and snow showers by Wednesday night. “We’re watching for a possible transition to light snow across the higher terrain,” forecasters noted, with a 50% chance of precipitation and temperatures near freezing by early Thursday.
The good news — the pattern remains mild enough for safe returns from post-Thanksgiving travel through Monday. But as cold air deepens, flash-freeze conditions could develop late in the week when melted moisture refreezes after sunset. Keep a scraper, gloves, and extra windshield fluid on hand.
Five-Day Outlook (Albuquerque, NM):
- Monday: Sunny, high 52°F.
- Tuesday: Sunny, high 52°F, low 27°F.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high 56°F.
- Wednesday Night: 50% chance rain/snow, low 31°F.
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy, high 47°F, 40% chance of snow mix.
