ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Under a crisp, clear morning sky, the Sandia Mountains glow pink as calm air hangs over the Rio Grande Valley. Temperatures hover near 38°F, with light winds hinting at a mild start before a wetter pattern emerges later in the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, a developing Pacific system will bring showers to central New Mexico Saturday night through early Sunday, with rain chances peaking near 70%. Most locations will see only light rainfall, though brief downpours may dampen travel along I-40 and I-25. Rain totals are expected to stay below a half inch, but isolated pockets of heavier showers are possible east of the metro.
Saturday will be warm and sunny ahead of the change, reaching near 65°F before clouds build late. Sunday brings cooler air and scattered showers, followed by drier skies and calmer winds Monday. Highs then rebound near 60°F as Thanksgiving week begins — ideal for travelers leaving early for the holiday.
Looking ahead, national weather models continue to signal a broad winter pattern shift between November 25 and December 3, with colder-than-normal temperatures and heavy snow potential (4–10 inches) across the central and eastern U.S. While New Mexico is not expected to see major impacts, cooler desert mornings and brisk breezes may return late next week.
Residents planning road trips should keep watch for national storm developments, but for now, Albuquerque can expect a mild, partly wet weekend leading into a quiet, sunny stretch.
Five-Day Forecast for Albuquerque, NM:
Fri: 55/33 – Mostly sunny; calm wind.
Sat: 65/42 – Sunny, then showers late.
Sun: 53/34 – Showers early; gradual clearing.
Mon: 60/30 – Sunny, cool morning.
Tue: 58/28 – Clear skies; mild afternoon.
