ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A sharp chill is racing down the Rio Grande Valley this early Tuesday morning, setting the stage for the coldest night of the season. Clear skies and dry desert air will allow heat to escape quickly after sunset, sending temperatures tumbling to near 28°F in Albuquerque and even lower in surrounding valleys.
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Freeze Watch through Wednesday morning, with temperatures expected to drop as low as 24°F in colder pockets. Residents should wrap exposed pipes, drain swamp coolers, and bring tender plants indoors. Gardeners and growers across central and eastern New Mexico could see the growing season end tonight.
The coldest readings will likely settle along the Middle Rio Grande and the West Mesa, with slightly milder conditions just east of the foothills. A light northwest breeze will add an extra bite to the air through dawn Wednesday. Drivers should be cautious early as frost may coat windshields, especially in low-lying and shaded areas.
After the freeze, sunshine quickly returns. Highs rebound into the low 60s Wednesday, then rise steadily into the 70s Thursday and Friday. By Halloween Friday, expect near-perfect trick-or-treat weather — clear skies, light winds, and mild evening temperatures in the 50s.
The weekend remains calm and warm, with highs near 75°F Saturday and Sunday before early November trends hint at another cool-down next week.
Five-Day Outlook for Albuquerque, NM:
Tue: 70/35 – Sunny; breezy, dry air.
Wed: 63/34 – Freeze early; sunny rebound.
Thu: 71/39 – Clear and mild.
Fri: 73/40 – Mostly sunny; ideal Halloween.
Sat: 75/42 – Warm, sunny weekend stretch.
