Albuquerque, NM – Northern and central New Mexico may see a colder, wetter, and potentially snowy pattern develop during the Thanksgiving travel window, as long-range federal outlooks show above-normal precipitation from November 23 through November 29.
According to the Climate Prediction Center’s 8–14 Day Outlook released Saturday, much of New Mexico—especially areas north of I-40—is included in a 40–50% probability zone favoring wetter-than-normal conditions. With early-season cold air sliding south along the Rockies, the setup increases the risk for mixed precipitation or periods of wet snow in higher terrain.
Northern New Mexico towns such as Taos, Farmington, and Chama sit closest to the colder air mass and could see the earliest travel impacts. Elevation in these areas often enhances snow potential even when temperatures in the valleys stay near or slightly above freezing.
Central New Mexico—including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Los Alamos—remains in the same elevated precipitation corridor. Small shifts in storm timing could determine whether systems arrive as cold rain, wet snow, or a mix. Thanksgiving week frequently brings increased traffic along I-25 and I-40, where even light snow or slushy conditions can reduce travel speeds.
Southern New Mexico, including Las Cruces and Alamogordo, is also included in the wetter pattern, though warmer temperatures favor mainly rain.
Air travel through Albuquerque International Sunport and Santa Fe Regional Airport may experience delays if holiday systems arrive during peak travel days.
Forecasters note that additional clarity on timing and precipitation type will come early next week once short-range models begin resolving individual systems.
