Las Vegas, New Mexico – The first hard freeze of the season is settling across northeastern and central New Mexico early Tuesday, marking a decisive end to the growing season in several highland communities. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has kept a Freeze Warning in effect until 9 a.m. Tuesday for the Central and Northeast Highlands, Harding County, and Glorieta Mesa, including Las Vegas, Clines Corners, Mosquero, and Roy.
According to forecasters, temperatures will bottom out around 30 to 31 degrees before sunrise under clear skies and calm winds. The cold will lead to widespread frost and may damage unprotected vegetation, outdoor plumbing, and sprinkler systems.
Residents are urged to cover tender plants, bring potted vegetation indoors, and wrap exposed pipes to prevent freezing. According to the National Weather Service, this freeze marks the region’s seasonal transition to colder nights, with additional frosty mornings expected through midweek.
Local emergency officials recommend checking space heaters for safety and ensuring pets have warm shelter as temperatures remain well below normal through dawn. Slightly warmer afternoons are expected later this week, but another weak front could reinforce the chill by Friday.
