New Mexico — Cold air pools quietly along the Rio Grande Valley as the city wakes under clear skies. Breath hangs in the air, windshields frost over, and the morning feels unmistakably like December.
Early temperatures dip into the upper 20s, bringing a brief freeze and frost risk for exposed pipes, pets, and plants. Roads remain dry, but shaded spots feel slick and cold at sunrise. Dress in layers if heading out early.
Sunshine quickly takes control. By late morning, temperatures rebound efficiently, climbing into the low 60s this afternoon. Winds stay light, making it a pleasant day once the sun rises higher. Outdoor plans and errands face no weather disruptions.
Tonight stays calm and mostly clear. Lows drop back near 29 degrees, enough for another round of patchy frost. Simple precautions still matter. Bring sensitive plants inside and allow extra warm-up time for vehicles.
Wednesday follows the same pattern. Sunshine dominates, and highs reach 63 degrees by afternoon. To be fair, it feels more like early spring during peak daylight hours. Evenings cool quickly again, with overnight lows settling near 34 degrees.
Thursday, December 18th, continues the mild trend. Mostly sunny skies return, highs hover near 62 degrees, and winds remain manageable. No snow, rain, or major travel issues appear in the short-term outlook.
Friday warms further, with highs near 67 degrees, keeping New Mexico on the mild side of the national winter pattern. The weekend preview stays favorable for Christmas travel, outdoor decorating, and community events.
Meteorologists describe this as a stable winter ridge pattern. While snow is absent for now, cold nights still demand awareness. Flash freezing can occur where moisture lingers after sunset.
Stay alert during early mornings, then enjoy the sunshine. How cold did it feel in your neighborhood today?
📅 Five-Day Outlook — Albuquerque, NM
- Today: Sunny, high near 62°, morning freeze
- Wednesday: Sunny, high near 63°
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 62°
- Friday: Sunny, high near 67°
- Saturday: Sunny, high near 69°
