Albuquerque, NM – New Mexico will feel a colder start to December as an Arctic Blast brushes the Southwest from Monday, Dec. 1 through Friday, Dec. 5, shifting the state into a Cold December pattern with breezy conditions, falling temperatures, and light snow mainly across northern and high-elevation areas.
According to the National Weather Service, early-week disturbances riding along the edge of the Arctic air mass will bring light snow or flurries to the northern mountains, with the best chances around the Sangre de Cristo range, Chama, and the Taos area. Accumulation will generally be light, though higher peaks may pick up minor totals.
Central New Mexico, including Albuquerque, will remain dry but sharply colder. Lows will dip into the upper 20s and 30s, with highs struggling into the 40s through midweek. Northern valleys may fall into the 20s, while mountain regions reach the teens during the coldest nights. Northwest winds will add an extra chill, especially in exposed foothills.
NOAA’s 6–10 Day Temperature Outlook places New Mexico in a below-normal temperature zone for Dec. 1–Dec. 5, reflecting the far southwestern influence of the Arctic air mass dominating the central U.S. Additional flurries may appear midweek across the northern tier as upper-level energy swings through the region.
While no major storm is forecast, forecasters note that colder temperatures, brisk winds, and light snow in the north may create minor travel issues in mountain passes.
Residents should prepare for a colder, more winterlike start to December.
