Albuquerque, New Mexico — Freezing fog early Tuesday reduced visibility to one-quarter mile or less across portions of eastern and southeastern New Mexico, prompting a National Weather Service advisory through 9 a.m.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Albuquerque and Midland-Odessa, freezing fog developed overnight across De Baca County, the Chaves County Plains, Eddy County Plains, and southern Lea County, creating hazardous driving conditions during the morning commute.
The advisory warns that dense fog combined with sub-freezing temperatures may result in patchy slick spots and black ice, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads. Visibility in affected areas may drop suddenly, making travel dangerous for motorists.
Forecasters said the freezing fog is most concentrated in the lower Pecos River Valley, stretching between Fort Sumner and Lake Arthur, and extending into northeast Chaves County, including the community of Elkins. Additional impacted locations include Carlsbad, Artesia, Eunice, Jal, and Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
The National Weather Service expects conditions to gradually improve as temperatures rise later in the morning, with fog burning off by mid to late morning.
Drivers are urged to slow down, use headlights, and maintain extra following distance. Officials also recommend exercising extreme caution on elevated roadways, where freezing moisture may be less visible.
The advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m. MST Tuesday, after which visibility is expected to improve as fog dissipates.
Early-morning commuters and overnight workers are most likely to experience travel delays due to reduced visibility.
