New Mexico — Cold air already grips the high desert this morning, and the quiet won’t last. Snow clouds are lining up to the west, and a powerful winter system is taking aim at much of the state heading into the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Friday morning through late Saturday night for large portions of central and eastern New Mexico. Snow accumulations of 5 to 10 inches are possible across many valleys and plains, with up to 16 inches expected above 9,000 feet in the Tusas Mountains, Sangre de Cristo range, and other high terrain.
The greatest impacts are expected along major corridors, especially I-40 from Tijeras Canyon east to the Texas border. Travel may become very difficult or even impossible for extended periods as snow intensifies and temperatures plunge. I-25 through the Santa Fe metro, Glorieta Pass, and surrounding mountain routes may also see prolonged hazardous conditions.
Beyond snow, bitter cold raises additional concerns. Winds and falling temperatures increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. The weight of heavy, persistent snow could strain the power grid, leading to possible outages. Forecasters warn that eastern New Mexico may face more than 48 hours of sub-freezing temperatures if outages occur.
Saturday night into early Sunday looks especially dangerous. Temperatures across the eastern plains are expected to fall into the single digits or colder. Any untreated roads may become icy as snow compacts and refreezes.
Residents should finalize travel plans early, prepare emergency kits, charge devices, and avoid unnecessary travel once snow begins. Conditions may deteriorate quickly once snowfall rates increase.
Looking ahead, the 6–10 day outlook keeps New Mexico leaning below normal in temperature, suggesting cold conditions may linger even after the storm exits.
