New Mexico starts this Monday with crisp air, pale sunrise light, and quiet roads across Albuquerque. Jackets stay zipped early, but sunshine quickly softens the chill as the city settles into a mild January rhythm.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures climb into the upper 50s this afternoon under mostly sunny skies. Winds remain light, keeping travel smooth on I-40 and I-25 as students return to school and routines resume after the holiday break.
The calm stretch continues Tuesday and Wednesday. Afternoon highs hover in the mid-to-upper 50s, while mornings dip close to freezing. Shaded sidewalks and bridges can feel slick early, especially where irrigation runoff or melting frost lingers. Take it slow during early drives.
Changes arrive Wednesday night. Clouds thicken and a chance for showers develops late, signaling a pattern shift. By Thursday, rain becomes more likely, with wet pavement spreading across the metro by afternoon. Commuters should expect reduced visibility at times and slower travel during peak hours.
Colder air presses in Thursday night. Rain may mix with snow before tapering into snow showers, especially near the Sandia foothills and higher elevations. While heavy accumulation is not the main concern, brief slushy conditions and flash freezing could develop as temperatures fall into the 20s. Bridges and overpasses may turn slick quickly.
Friday trends drier and cooler. Sunshine returns, but highs settle in the upper 40s, keeping winter firmly in place across central New Mexico. More daylight is slowly returning as January progresses, yet winter hazards still demand attention.
Seeing frost or damp spots on your morning drive today?
Five-Day Outlook for Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 58
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 56
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, chance of showers late, high near 57
• Thursday: Rain likely, rain/snow possible late, high near 54
• Friday: Mostly sunny, cooler, high near 47
