New Mexico may finally see some snow this winter. Temperatures have broken heat records around the state for the last few weeks, with temperatures in Albuquerque regularly climbing into the sixties. New Mexico will return to normal weather conditions by Friday as a winter storm bring precipitation to the state and cooler temperatures.
According to the National Weather Service, a winter storm will hit much of New Mexico by Thursday night, followed by a significant dip in temperatures this Friday. The majority of the precipitation will fall in the Northern Mountains, with higher elevations expected to receive 6-12 inches of snow. Ski season here we come! Albuquerque is expected to see little precipitation, but snow is expected in the higher elevations of the Sandias. Areas west of Albuquerque, including I-40 and 550 to Farmington, are expected to see snow accumulations come Friday.
Albuquerque is expected to see a high of 50 degrees on Friday. Lows are expected to drop into the teens and low 20’s Friday night and Saturday morning.
The winter storm is expected to bring high winds and gusts throughout New Mexico. The NWS expects winds in the range of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts from the Northwest reaching as high as 45 mph.
According to the National Weather Service, Albuquerque equaled its record high set in 1917 at the Sunport on December 4, climbing up to 65 degrees. The NWS referred to abnormally high temperatures as “well be above normal.”