New Mexico — The desert wakes up quiet and cold, stars still overhead as frost forms on rooftops and parked cars. Breath hangs briefly in the air, but the chill fades fast once the sun rises.
Early temperatures sit near 30 degrees across Albuquerque, with calm winds and clear skies. Sunshine quickly takes over, driving afternoon highs toward 59 degrees. Roads along I-25 and I-40 remain dry, making morning travel smooth. Still, colder pockets may feel slick in shaded areas early on.
Monday continues the warming trend. Afternoon temperatures climb to around 61 degrees, while nights fall back near freezing. It’s a classic December pattern for central New Mexico—cold starts, comfortable afternoons, and wide temperature swings. Outdoor plans and travel remain favorable, especially during daylight hours.
By Tuesday, warmth peaks. Highs reach near 62 degrees, well above seasonal averages. Latest models show no precipitation concerns, and winds stay light. For now, winter hazards remain limited to early-morning frost and brief icy spots where overnight moisture freezes.
This calm stretch comes as much of the country deals with deep winter cold and snow. For Albuquerque, it’s a quiet window before stronger systems begin showing up later in December. Meteorologists note this warmth as an early-season winter tease, not a long-term shift.
With Christmas travel approaching, this weather favors smooth driving conditions across New Mexico. Drivers heading out before sunrise should still watch bridges and overpasses, where temperatures dip fastest and black ice can briefly form.
Overall, the next few days deliver mild afternoons and crisp mornings. Winter feels distant for now, but the cold nights are a reminder that December patterns can flip quickly.
5-Day Outlook for Albuquerque, NM
- Today: Sunny, high 59°F
- Monday: Partly sunny, high 61°F
- Tuesday: Sunny, high 62°F
- Wednesday: Sunny, high 65°F
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 65°F
