Albuquerque, New Mexico – A stretch of milder and drier winter weather is expected to take hold across New Mexico beginning Thursday, with temperatures trending above normal while precipitation chances remain below average through early next week.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, New Mexico is forecast to experience above-normal temperatures from Thursday through Monday, paired with below-normal precipitation. This setup limits storm activity across the Southwest and brings a quieter pattern to the state during a time when colder and wetter conditions are more typical.
Central New Mexico, including Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Los Lunas, and Santa Fe, is expected to see warmer-than-average daytime highs with cool but manageable overnight lows. Dry air and periods of sunshine will dominate, allowing afternoon temperatures to climb more efficiently than usual for mid-January.
Northern New Mexico, including Farmington, Española, Taos, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, will also see reduced precipitation chances. While higher elevations remain cold enough for winter conditions, the lack of storm systems may slow snowpack growth and limit new snowfall across mountain passes and ski areas.
Southern New Mexico, including Las Cruces, Roswell, Carlsbad, and Hobbs, is expected to remain dry with above-average temperatures. Daytime conditions may feel noticeably mild, while nights cool off quickly under clear skies, especially in desert and valley locations.
Travel conditions are expected to remain favorable along major corridors such as Interstate 25, Interstate 40, and U.S. Highway 70, with no widespread weather-related disruptions anticipated.
While the warmer and drier pattern may benefit travel and outdoor activities, water managers and agricultural interests will continue monitoring longer-term precipitation trends. For now, the mild and dry setup is expected to persist into early next week, with any return to more active weather likely beyond this period.
