New Mexico – Golden light spills over the Sandia Mountains this morning, brushing the desert mesa in soft hues of orange and pink. Across the Albuquerque metro, the air feels crisp but still — the kind of tranquil, late-fall morning that hints winter is waiting just beyond the horizon.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, travelers can expect excellent Thanksgiving weather across central New Mexico. Sunny skies and highs near 61°F will make for smooth driving on I-40, I-25, and Route 550, while light winds and cool evenings bring ideal conditions for family gatherings, parades, and outdoor activities.
Friday stays mild with highs near 62°F and plenty of sunshine, giving shoppers and visitors a clear window for Black Friday plans. But subtle shifts begin over the weekend as a Pacific disturbance approaches from the west, introducing clouds and the first hints of rain and snow.
By Sunday night, temperatures fall into the 20s, and scattered rain or snow showers could move through the Albuquerque area and into higher elevations along the East Mountains and Santa Fe corridor. While accumulations look light, the change signals the start of a colder pattern as December begins.
Early next week, highs are expected to dip into the 40s and low 50s, with lows in the 20s, as a major Arctic front begins to slide across the central U.S. Forecasters are watching for possible widespread snow and below-normal temperatures from December 1–5, potentially affecting post-Thanksgiving travel across the Plains and Rockies.
For now, Albuquerque enjoys one more stretch of calm, sunny weather before winter finally shows its hand — just in time for the holiday season to turn cold and bright.
