Tucson, AZ – The Southwest Arizona–New Mexico region is preparing for a warm, dry, and stable weather pattern from December 18–24, with NOAA’s long-range outlook showing above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation across the entire region. This setup delivers smooth holiday travel, plenty of sunshine, and minimal weather impacts heading into Christmas Eve.
Across southwest Arizona—including Yuma, Somerton, Ajo, Gila Bend, and Wellton—afternoon highs are expected to reach the low to mid-70s, running 10 degrees above normal for late December. Skies remain mostly sunny, and rain chances are extremely low.
Farther east across Tucson, Sierra Vista, Nogales, and Green Valley, temperatures remain warm with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s. A weak disturbance may bring brief, light sprinkles to higher elevations of the Santa Rita and Catalina Mountains around December 19–20, but widespread rainfall is unlikely.
In southern New Mexico, including Las Cruces, Deming, Silver City, Lordsburg, and Hatch, temperatures will run several degrees above average, reaching the mid-60s to near 70°F during the afternoon. Higher mountain zones may see a touch of cloud cover early in the period, with only isolated showers possible.
Across the I-10 corridor from Tucson to Las Cruces, as well as U.S. 70, U.S. 180, and the I-19 stretch south of Tucson, travel conditions are expected to remain dry, stable, and highly favorable throughout the week.
With minimal rain chances, warm temperatures, and calm winds, the Southwest Arizona–New Mexico region is set up for one of the most benign and travel-friendly Christmas Eve weather patterns in the country.
