Albuquerque, NM – After a mild and breezy start to the week, a powerful cold front will bring much colder air across New Mexico beginning Tuesday, with the first widespread freeze of the season expected in many central and eastern areas by Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque.
Temperatures on Monday will remain 5–10°F above normal, with highs reaching the 70s to lower 80s across the plains and 60s in the northern mountains. Winds will increase through the day, especially across the central highlands, where gusts could reach 40–45 mph, creating nuisance crosswinds.
By Tuesday, a cold front will sweep through the state, causing temperatures to plunge 20–30°F within 24 hours. Overnight lows Tuesday night into Wednesday will drop into the upper 20s to low 30s across eastern New Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley, while northern and western valleys may fall into the low 10s to low 20s.
This will mark the first freeze of the fall season for many areas, signaling the start of winter conditions in higher elevations.
Residents are urged to protect plants, pets, pipes, and outdoor plumbing, and to use Monday’s mild weather to complete any last-minute outdoor winter preparations.
After the front passes, clear skies and lighter winds will lead to chilly mornings but sunny afternoons late week, with highs returning to the 50s and 60s.
