ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – New Mexico is bracing for a significant winter storm expected to move in Friday and continue through the weekend, bringing snow, colder temperatures, and potentially hazardous travel conditions across much of the state.
A winter storm watch now includes Albuquerque, with the system developing slowly but expected to intensify Friday evening through Sunday morning. Forecasters say the storm will begin with rain and a wintry mix in some areas before transitioning into heavier snow, especially Saturday night into early Sunday.
Residents in the metro should plan for:
- Mild conditions through Thursday with highs in the 50s.
- A gradual increase in clouds and colder temps Friday, with rain or a wintry mix possible by dinnertime.
- Snow becoming more likely Saturday evening into early Sunday, as colder air settles in behind the system.
- Very cold temperatures Sunday, with limited melting and highs struggling to reach freezing.
A separate NOAA‑based forecast shows highs dropping into the 40s Friday and Saturday, with rain Friday and a chance of snow Saturday. Sunday is expected to be the coldest day, with highs in the upper 30s and a low near 17°F.
Forecasters warn this will be a large, widespread winter event:
- Heavy snow is expected in the northern mountains and along the central mountain chain. Some areas may see more than 6 inches of snow.
- Eastern New Mexico may experience prolonged sub‑freezing temperatures, especially after an Arctic front arrives late Thursday into Friday.
- Travel impacts are likely Friday through Sunday, particularly along I‑40 east of Albuquerque, I‑25 through Glorieta Pass, and other high‑elevation corridors.
- A wintry mix, including ice, may develop in southeastern New Mexico on Friday. Forecasters note a low‑confidence but noteworthy potential for sleet or light icing.
National outlets are tracking the storm as part of a broader system stretching across more than two dozen states, calling it potentially “large and historic” with widespread snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
Conditions begin clearing Sunday afternoon, but temperatures remain cold statewide with minimal melting. A return to drier, slightly warmer weather is expected early next week.
