Latest on the Snow, Cold Temperatures, and Bitter Wind Chills through the Weekend

A pair of storm systems combined with an arctic airmass will create hazardous weather conditions across New Mexico, particularly Friday through Monday. A weak storm system will cross New Mexico Friday, bringing light snow to the northern mountains. A stronger storm system is expected to impact New Mexico Saturday night through Sunday, resulting in several inches of snow nearly area wide. Meanwhile, the arctic cold front that has been draped over eastern NM the last few days will continue to slide a bit further westward each day through Saturday before racing through the gaps of the Central Mountain Chain Sunday. As this occurs, expect strong gap winds below canyons, temperatures quickly decreasing, and dangerously cold wind chills.

Key Impacts

Extremely cold temperatures for a long duration across eastern NM. Record breaking cold temperatures likely. Protect pipes and pets.
Dangerously cold wind chills Sunday and Sunday night. Values between -10 and -25 degrees possible for eastern NM, 10 and -10 for the Rio Grande Valley westward.
Quickly deteriorating road conditions due to snow. Snow is expected to accumulate quickly Saturday night through Sunday. Strong and gusty east canyon winds in the Rio Grande Valley Sunday and Sunday night. Gusts between 45 and 50+ mph are possible.

Timing

Cold temperatures will continue across eastern NM through Monday, though a brief respite may occur on Thursday. Cold temperatures are expected Sunday and Monday for areas west of the Central Mountain Chain. Though light snow is possible Friday across the northern mountains, the biggest impacts will occur Saturday night through Sunday as moderate to heavy snow spreads from north to south. The lowest wind chills are expected Sunday through Sunday night as a reinforcing shot of cold air arrives, allowing the front to push through the gaps of the Central Mountain Chain.

Bottom Line

Cold air will continue to oscillate across eastern New Mexico through Saturday, before the front races westward through the gaps of the Central Mountain Chain Sunday.
Strong gap winds will be expected below canyons with the front.
An upper level storm system will bring widespread snow to much of the area Saturday night through Sunday.