New Mexico — Cold air lingers over the Rio Grande Valley this morning, frosting windshields and stiffening fingers before sunrise. The quiet won’t last. A changing winter pattern is lining up fast, with rain and snow set to disrupt travel by the end of the week.
Early today stays calm and bright. Albuquerque warms steadily under sunny skies, climbing into the mid-50s by afternoon. Pavement dries quickly, and visibility remains excellent along I-25 and I-40. Tonight cools back into the upper 20s, setting the stage for sharper temperature swings ahead.
Thursday delivers the warmest day of the stretch. Afternoon highs push near 56 degrees, and conditions feel almost springlike for January. To be fair, that warmth becomes the trigger. Moisture begins advancing toward central New Mexico late Thursday night.
By Friday morning, rain and snow showers develop, especially after sunrise. Initial precipitation may fall as rain in lower elevations before mixing with snow as colder air filters in. Roads could turn wet and slushy by midday, then slick as temperatures slide later.
Friday night into Saturday looks more impactful. Rain and snow are likely, with colder air settling in behind the system. Daytime highs drop to around 40 Friday, then fall into the upper 30s Saturday. Flash freezing becomes a concern after sunset as wet roads refreeze quickly.
Saturday night stays cold, with lows dipping into the mid-teens. Snow showers taper late, but untreated surfaces may remain icy early Sunday. Plan extra time if traveling, especially during evening hours.
Looking ahead, the 6–10 day outlook favors above-normal temperatures across the Southwest, including New Mexico, once this system clears. That suggests a rebound next week after the weekend chill.
Five-Day Outlook for Albuquerque, New Mexico
Today: Sunny, high near 54.
Thursday: Partly sunny, high near 56.
Friday: Rain and snow likely, high near 45.
Saturday: Snow showers possible, high near 40.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, colder, high near 38.
