New Mexico Weekend Forecast: Warmer Temperatures Ahead

Rain showers will move out of southern New Mexico this weekend, with warmer weather expected to follow. However, colder air is set to arrive early next week, bringing light snow to the northern mountains.

Today, clouds moved into southern New Mexico, causing a few spotty showers early in the morning. By the afternoon, the rain has mostly ended, but the cloud cover will keep temperatures cooler across the southern half of the state. Overnight, fog is expected to develop, particularly along the east slopes of the Sandia and Manzano mountains, extending out to Santa Rosa, Las Vegas, and Ruidoso. Freezing fog may occur, creating icy spots in some areas. A few scattered showers will continue to move through southeastern New Mexico early in the day, but by noon, the rain will move out. Drier conditions will return by Saturday afternoon, with warmer weather arriving by Sunday as westerly winds increase across the state.

A fast-moving storm system is expected to reach New Mexico on Monday, though precipitation looks to be lighter than initially forecast. Snow is most likely in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with light snow expected in the northern peaks. Accumulations will be minimal, with a maximum of 3 inches. A few flurries or a light dusting could also occur along the I-25 corridor in northern and east-central New Mexico. By Tuesday afternoon, temperatures will drop further as drier air moves in, bringing the coldest air of the season by Wednesday morning.

A warming trend is expected to begin Wednesday afternoon, with sunny and dry conditions persisting through the end of the week. Temperatures should return to near-average levels by next Thursday.

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