Albuquerque, NM — New Mexico’s ongoing streak of unseasonably warm temperatures is not only persisting—it’s intensifying. Forecasters say the state may see record or near-record highs later this week as warm, dry conditions continue statewide.
On Tuesday afternoon, residents across eastern New Mexico experienced noticeably windier weather, with gusts exceeding 30 mph from the East Mountains through Santa Rosa, stretching southward toward the Sacramento Mountains and Carlsbad. These stronger wind speeds are the result of a west–northwesterly flow, which has been consistently ushering in warmer air.
Highs across the region climbed 5° to 15° above average, continuing a pattern that has dominated early December.
Weak Cold Front Expected—But Only a Minor Cooldown
Forecasters expect winds to calm down overnight as a weak cold front enters the eastern half of New Mexico by late Wednesday morning. While this front will bring a slight dip in temperatures for eastern communities on Wednesday afternoon, the rest of the state will remain firmly in a warming trend.
That means most New Mexicans won’t be feeling much relief—in fact, the warmest stretch of the week still lies ahead.
Record Heat Possible Thursday Through Saturday
Meteorologists say Thursday, Friday, and Saturday will likely mark the peak of the heatwave, with temperatures soaring 10° to more than 20° above seasonal averages.
This unusual heat is expected to push several major cities toward record or near-record highs. In a period when many residents expect crisp winter conditions, much of the state will instead experience temperatures comparable to late spring.
Most areas will see light winds, though parts of eastern New Mexico may experience periodic breeziness. Despite the warmth and wind variation, one thing remains consistent across the forecast: dry weather. No precipitation is expected through the week.
Cold Front to Break the Heat—Temporarily
A stronger cold front is projected to sweep in from the northeast on Saturday night, marking the first significant pattern shift in days. This system will trigger a notable drop in temperatures on Sunday, especially across eastern New Mexico, where the contrast will be the most dramatic.
Western and central portions of the state will also see cooler conditions, though not as sharply. Despite the cooldown, forecasts show that temperatures will rebound quickly heading into early next week.
Dry Weather Dominates the Long-Range Outlook
Along with above-average warmth, dry conditions remain firmly entrenched in the statewide weather pattern. Fire danger may fluctuate depending on wind speeds, but no major precipitation events are currently on the horizon.
Meteorologists emphasize that while New Mexico often experiences mid-winter warm spells, the combination of duration, intensity, and record-threatening temperatures makes this week’s pattern particularly noteworthy.
How do you feel about December heat in New Mexico—welcome break or cause for concern?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
