Winter Weather Returns Midweek with Snow and Cold Temperatures
The Albuquerque office of the National Oceanagraphic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a special weather statement for next week. After a stretch of record-breaking warmth, winter will make a strong comeback this week across northern and central New Mexico, bringing widespread snowfall and significantly colder temperatures. Starting Tuesday through Wednesday morning, areas along the eastern slopes of mountain ranges and extending onto the western parts of the eastern plains could see total snow accumulations of a few inches. Mountain peaks and east-facing slopes may receive heavier snowfall, with totals around half a foot in some areas. The coldest conditions are expected in lower elevations from Raton to Las Vegas and Clines Corners, where subfreezing temperatures are forecast from Monday night through Thursday or Friday afternoons.
A storm system is projected to move southward over southern California and western Arizona on Tuesday, stalling briefly before weakening and moving slowly eastward across New Mexico later in the week. This system will draw in a strong, moisture-laden backdoor cold front across northern and central New Mexico on Tuesday. Light to moderate snow is expected to develop over northern areas Tuesday morning, spreading southward into central and southern regions by Tuesday afternoon and night, accompanied by persistent easterly upslope flow and possibly dense freezing fog. Snow and freezing fog should taper off in many locations by Wednesday; however, light snow could return to southern areas Wednesday night through Friday and potentially farther north, depending on the storm’s track.
High temperatures will plunge into the 20s and 30s (°F) across eastern areas beginning Tuesday, with similar conditions spreading into central and western areas by Wednesday. Mountain regions may see highs in the teens. Low temperatures on Wednesday night are expected to drop into the single digits and teens in most areas. Gusty east winds, ranging from 35 to 45 MPH, are anticipated below canyon openings into the central valley from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning, further intensifying the cold.
These cold temperatures will cause snow to stick to road surfaces, creating hazardous travel conditions on many routes, including much of I-25 and I-40 across central and eastern New Mexico. The prolonged subfreezing temperatures along the eastern slopes of the Manzano and Sandia mountain ranges will require precautions for people, pets, plants, and pipes. Temperatures are expected to gradually warm on Thursday and Friday, though nighttime lows will remain frigid.
Stay updated on this evolving weather situation by monitoring trusted weather sources and watch for potential Winter Weather Advisories issued by the National Weather Service (link to reports from Moriarty Municipal Airport).