Albuquerque, NM – Drivers across parts of New Mexico should be prepared for hazardous travel conditions overnight and into Monday morning as freezing fog develops, followed by a shift to much warmer — and windier — weather later this week.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, patchy freezing fog is possible late tonight and Monday morning, especially across the southeastern plains. Forecasters say the highest risk window is between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. Monday, when visibility could drop below one-half mile in some areas. Roads, bridges, and overpasses could become slick where fog freezes on contact.
Overnight low temperatures are expected to fall into the teens and 20s across much of northern and eastern New Mexico, with colder pockets near Gallup, Grants, Clayton, and Raton. Albuquerque and Socorro are expected to bottom out near the mid-30s, while southeastern communities such as Roswell may see lows around 30 degrees.
The freezing fog threat could impact major travel routes including U.S. 70, U.S. 60, U.S. 84, U.S. 380, and nearby highways in southeastern New Mexico. Officials urge drivers to slow down, use low-beam headlights, and allow extra travel time during the Monday morning commute.
Looking ahead, forecasters say a rapid warm-up is expected Tuesday, with near record-breaking warmth continuing through the rest of the week. However, the warmer temperatures will come with increasing wind.
By Wednesday afternoon through late evening, strong west winds are expected statewide. The National Weather Service notes a low but notable chance of wind gusts reaching 50 to 60 mph along the I-25 corridor between Las Vegas and Raton. Gusty crosswinds could make travel difficult for high-profile vehicles and blow around unsecured objects.
Residents are encouraged to stay weather-aware, secure outdoor items ahead of midweek winds, and monitor updates as conditions evolve.
