New Mexico – Frost coats rooftops and windshields across the Albuquerque metro early this morning as the city settles into the first official week of winter. Breath hangs in the air before sunrise, and calm conditions allow cold pockets to form in low-lying areas.
Temperatures start the day in the mid-30s, then climb quickly under bright sun. Highs reach the upper 60s by afternoon, offering a sharp contrast between morning chill and daytime warmth. Roads remain dry, but early commuters should watch for isolated slick spots on shaded surfaces.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, the pattern stays quiet and mild through midweek. Clear nights allow temperatures to dip near freezing again Monday night and Tuesday night. Calm winds increase the risk of patchy frost, especially across the East Mountains and valley locations.
By Tuesday and Wednesday, daytime highs hover in the mid to upper 60s with mostly sunny skies. This stretch favors smooth travel across I-25 and I-40, but drivers heading out early should still allow extra time as temperatures rebound from near-freezing lows.
Attention turns to Christmas Eve on Wednesday. Clouds increase, and a weak system brings a slight chance of showers before midday. While widespread rain looks unlikely, brief damp roads could affect late-morning errands and holiday travel. Snow is not expected in the metro, though higher elevations north and east of Albuquerque may see light wintry mix signs later in the week.
Christmas Day trends drier and mild again, with sunshine returning by afternoon. Highs remain near the upper 60s, continuing an unusually warm stretch for late December.
Looking ahead, this warm-to-cool cycle signals an early winter tease rather than a full pattern shift. Still, freezing mornings followed by mild afternoons can lead to flash-freeze issues if moisture appears later.
Heading out early this week? Let us know how cold it felt in your neighborhood.
Five-Day Outlook for Albuquerque, New Mexico
Monday: Sunny, high near 69
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 66
Wednesday: Partly sunny, slight rain chance, high near 67
Christmas Day: Mostly sunny, high near 67
Friday: Partly sunny, warmer, high near 83
