Albuquerque, NM — Much colder weather is settling across New Mexico this weekend, with a noticeable drop in temperatures across northeast New Mexico today and all of eastern New Mexico by Sunday. The cold air will be accompanied by locally strong canyon winds for Santa Fe, eastern Albuquerque, and Carrizozo late tonight into early Sunday morning.
A weak disturbance moving across the state will also bring areas of light snow Sunday night through midday Monday, mainly affecting the northern mountains and portions of west-central high terrain. While snowfall amounts are expected to remain on the lighter side, minor travel impacts are still possible, especially for those driving through higher elevation routes. Visibility could drop at times due to light snow and gusty winds, particularly in western and northern New Mexico.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, snowfall probabilities are highest in elevated terrain, where accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are possible, with locally higher amounts in favored mountain zones. Lower elevations may see flurries or a dusting.
Behind this system, Monday will be chilly statewide, with many areas struggling to reach seasonal highs. Temperatures in northern valleys and mountain communities will remain especially cold, while central and southern New Mexico will see slightly milder but still below-normal readings.
Precipitation chances return mid-week, with another disturbance expected to develop late Wednesday into Thursday. This next round of moisture will primarily favor western and central New Mexico, though details are still being refined as the system takes shape.
Residents planning to travel late Sunday or early Monday should monitor updated forecasts and allow extra time in higher terrain where slick spots and reduced visibility may occur. Forecasters will continue to refine snowfall amounts and timing through the weekend.
