Two Winter Storms In New Mexico - Severe T-Storms In West Texas.
Carlsbad, New Mexico.
Blog Updated At 3:00 PM MST Wednesday, Jan 7, 2026.
Winter Returns To The Land Of Enchantment.
Winter makes a comeback to the state today through Saturday. Two cold fronts will sweep through the state today into Friday. The first one will be a Pacific cold front that will move east out of the eastern and southeastern plains by sunset today. The second and strong front will dive southeastward from the Four Corners Region Thursday evening and through the rest of the state on Friday.
Much colder air will move into New Mexico on Thursday and continue into the weekend. Morning lows will drop into the single digits and low teens across northern New Mexico Saturday and Sunday mornings. A few higher mountain valley locations will fall below zero.
Lows across the southeastern plains will drop down into the upper teens and low 20s Sunday morning. Single digits and low teens will occur this weekend in the Sacramento mountains.
Rounds of lowland rain showers and mountain snows accompanied by strong winds will impact the state today through Friday. Snow levels will lower tonight into Friday. Snow levels will lower down to 5,000' -6,000' by tonight. Albuquerque is expecting to see a mix of rain and snow tonight into Friday night.
The southeastern plains have the least chance of seeing measurable rainfall from these two incoming winter storms. Although some of us may see up to a quarter of an inch of rain by Friday. As of this writing (1 PM MST Wednesday afternoon), snow is not in our forecast.
Snowfall totals of 1" to 3" between 5,000' and 7,000' are forecast for the Gila and Black Ranges in Grant County, and over the Sacramento mountains. With 3" to 6" above 7,000'.
Current forecasts are calling for around an inch or less in the Mayhill and Ruidoso areas. Although Ski Apache may easily see up to 12" to 20".
West winds will cause blowing and drifting snow in the advisory and warned areas of the state. Road closures appear likely in some locations. West winds gusting up to 45-55 mph across the Sacramento Mountains are expected to create hazardous driving conditions tonight into Friday. Near whiteout to whiteout conditions will be possible above 7,000'. Some tree limbs may come down from the weight of the snow and the high winds, so scattered power outages will also be possible in the hardest hit areas.
Wind chill values are forecast to drop down to near zero in the Sacramento mountains.
A High Wind Warning remains in effect for the Guadalupe Mountains of Eddy and Culberson Counties through Friday. West winds sustained at 35-55 mph with gusts to 75 are expected.
Wind Advisories are in effect for the Central Highlands, Guadalupe County, Southwest Chaves County, and Eastern Lincoln County through Thursday afternoon. West winds sustained at 25-35 mph, gusting up to 50-55 mph, are forecast.
Model forecasts are going a little nuts with their storm total snowfall amounts this morning. So don't be surprised if some mountain locations end up with more snow than is being forecast. The Sunspot, Cloudcroft, Silver Lake, and Ski Apache areas could get clobbered if the models are correct...Storm totals of one to two feet are not out of the question.
A few severe thunderstorms will be possible late this afternoon and evening across the eastern Permian Basin and eastern South Plains of West Texas. Large hail and damaging thunderstorm wind gusts will be the main hazards.
Since this is a complex set of two winter storms that will impact the state and area today into Friday night, there may be some changes in some of your watches, warnings, advisories, and forecasts. Any shift southward and or slowing down in the speed of the storms will generate more rain and snow for the state.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX 200 PM CST Wed Jan 7 2026 ...New SHORT TERM, LONG TERM... .KEY MESSAGES... Updated at 200 PM CST Wed Jan 7 2026 - Increasing (30-80%) rain chances are in the forecast tonight, with the best chances generally along/north of the I-10 and I-20 corridor. Rainfall totals will generally remain light. A storm or two may produce hail and/or strong/gusty winds over the eastern and northeastern Permian Basin overnight, but the overall severe threat is Marginal. - Breezy to windy conditions expected with cold fronts Thursday and Friday. Highest winds expected over the Guadalupe/Delaware mountains. - Temperatures drop near to below normal over the weekend into early next week. &&
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 157 PM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 ...New SHORT TERM, LONG TERM, FIRE WEATHER... .KEY MESSAGES... Updated at 149 PM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 - Several inches of snow are expected across the higher terrain in western and northern New Mexico tonight through Friday, with lower snowfall amounts or rain at lower elevations. - Minor to moderate winter impacts, including slick and icy roads and low visibility, are expected across western and northern New Mexico through Friday afternoon. - Strong winds will impact east central New Mexico along and south of Interstate 40 Thursday. - The coldest air so far this season will arrive Friday into Friday night with low temperatures dropping into the single digits to mid teens. These cold temperatures will impact those without adequate housing or heating. &&
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service El Paso TX/Santa Teresa NM 217 PM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 ...New DISCUSSION, AVIATION, FIRE WEATHER... .KEY MESSAGES... Updated at 205 PM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 - A Pacific Storm System will bring widespread precipitation to the area tonight, with accumulating snow mainly above 7500 to 8000 feet. - Mountain snow showers will linger on Thursday, with another system set to bring additional mountain snow showers Thursday night. This system may produce briefly intense snow showers and squalls over the Gila Region Thursday evening. - Periodically windy conditions are expected over the next few days, particularly Thursday into Friday. - Much colder temperatures are expected Friday and through this weekend. Wind Chills may dip to near zero in the Sacramento Mountains and Gila region Friday morning, and near 20 in the desert lowlands. - Much quieter weather is expected over the weekend, but with cold mornings. We will warm back up to near seasonal temperatures by Monday. &&
Winter Storm Warning
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 1130 AM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 NMZ202-206-208-080230- /O.CON.KABQ.WS.W.0001.260107T2300Z-260109T1200Z/ Chuska Mountains-West Central Mountains-Southwest Mountains- 1130 AM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 5 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations generally between 2 and 6 inches with locally higher amounts of 6 to 12 inches above 8,000 feet. Whitewater Baldy peak in Catron county will receive higher amounts of 18 to 24 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...Western Mountains. * WHEN...From 4 PM this afternoon to 5 AM MST Friday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Tire chains may be necessary if traveling through mountain passes. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will initially be high between 7,000 and 8,000 feet Wednesday evening before gradually lowering to all areas late Thursday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For the latest road conditions, dial 511 or 1.800.432.4269, or visit http://nmroads.com. && $$Winter Storm Watch
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 1205 PM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 NMZ227-230-080615- /O.CON.KABQ.WS.A.0001.260109T0900Z-260110T0600Z/ Johnson and Bartlett Mesas Including Raton Pass-Union County- 1205 PM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations generally between 2 and 4 inches possible with higher amounts of 4 to 6 inches on Raton Pass. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph, creating blizzard conditions. * WHERE...Johnson and Bartlett Mesas Including Raton Pass and Union County. * WHEN...From late Thursday night through Friday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Tire traction will be reduced. Extend the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. This includes along portions of I-25 and US 64/87. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility with periods of blizzard conditions, especially Friday morning. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. && $$ 77URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 1130 AM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 NMZ203-210-211-213-214-221-080230- /O.CON.KABQ.WS.W.0001.260108T0600Z-260109T1800Z/ Far Northwest Highlands-Tusas Mountains Including Chama-Jemez Mountains-Northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains-Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains-Sandia and Manzano Mountains including Edgewood- 1130 AM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 3 and 6 inches below 7,500 feet with higher amounts of 6 to 12 inches above 7,500 feet. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...Northern and Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Sandia and Manzano Mountains including Edgewood, Far Northwest Highlands, Tusas Mountains Including Chama, and Jemez Mountains. * WHEN...From 11 PM this evening to 11 AM MST Friday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Tire traction will be reduced. Extend the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. This includes along portions of I-40. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will initially be high between 7,000 and 8,000 feet Wednesday evening before gradually lowering to all areas late Thursday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For the latest road conditions, dial 511 or 1.800.432.4269, or visit http://nmroads.com. && $$Winter Weather Advisory
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 1130 AM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 NMZ205-226-080230- /O.CON.KABQ.WW.Y.0001.260107T2300Z-260109T1200Z/ West Central Plateau-South Central Mountains- 1130 AM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 5 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches below 7,500 feet with higher amounts of 6 to 12 inches above 7,500 feet. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...South Central Mountains and West Central Plateau. * WHEN...From 4 PM this afternoon to 5 AM MST Friday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Tire traction will be reduced. Extend the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. This includes along portions of I-40. The hazardous conditions will impact the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will initially be high between 7,000 and 8,000 feet Wednesday evening before gradually lowering to all areas late Thursday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest road conditions, dial 511 or 1.800.432.4269, or visit http://nmroads.com. && $$URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM 445 AM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 NMZ403-425-072200- /O.CON.KEPZ.WW.Y.0001.260109T0100Z-260109T1200Z/ Southern Gila Foothills/Mimbres Valley-Central Grant County/Silver City Area- Including the cities of Faywood, Silver City, Grant County Airport, Hurley, Fort Bayard, and Mimbres 445 AM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THURSDAY TO 5 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph on Thursday. * WHERE...Central Grant County/Silver City Area and Southern Gila Foothills/Mimbres Valley. * WHEN...From 6 PM Thursday to 5 AM MST Friday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && $$ For additional information, visit us at http://www.weather.gov/epz LRURGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM 445 AM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 NMZ414-416-072200- /O.CON.KEPZ.WW.Y.0001.260108T1800Z-260109T1500Z/ West Slopes Sacramento Mountains Below 7500 Feet-East Slopes Sacramento Mountains Below 7500 Feet- Including the cities of Mountain Park, Mayhill, Sacramento, Pinon, Mescalero, and Timberon 445 AM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THURSDAY TO 8 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to two inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph on Thursday. * WHERE...East Slopes Sacramento Mountains Below 7500 Feet and West Slopes Sacramento Mountains Below 7500 Feet. * WHEN...From 11 AM Thursday to 8 AM MST Friday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && $$URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM 445 AM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 NMZ415-072200- /O.EXT.KEPZ.WW.Y.0001.260108T0300Z-260109T1500Z/ Sacramento Mountains Above 7500 Feet- Including the cities of Cloudcroft, Apache Summit, and Sunspot 445 AM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING TO 8 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 3 and 6 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph on Thursday. * WHERE...Sacramento Mountains Above 7500 Feet. * WHEN...From 8 PM this evening to 8 AM MST Friday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && $$URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM 445 AM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 NMZ426-072200- /O.EXT.KEPZ.WW.Y.0001.260108T0000Z-260109T1200Z/ Southern Gila Region Highlands/Black Range- Including the cities of Kingston and Lake Roberts 445 AM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 5 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 3 and 6 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph on Thursday. * WHERE...Southern Gila Region Highlands/Black Range. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 5 AM MST Friday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && $$
High Wind Warning
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX 153 AM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 NMZ027-TXZ270-271-080300- /O.UPG.KMAF.HW.A.0002.260108T0600Z-260109T0300Z/ /O.NEW.KMAF.HW.W.0003.260108T0600Z-260109T0300Z/ Guadalupe Mountains of Eddy County-Guadalupe Mountains Above 7000 Feet-Guadalupe and Delaware Mountains- Including the cities of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Pine Springs, and Queen 153 AM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 /253 AM CST Wed Jan 7 2026/ ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING... * WHAT...West winds 35 to 55 mph with gusts up to 70 mph expected. * WHERE...Guadalupe Mountains of west Texas and Southeast New Mexico. * WHEN...From Wednesday evening through Thursday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles like campers, vans, and tractor trailers. Severe turbulence near the mountains will be hazardous for low flying light aircraft. Aviation interests may experience localized but extreme turbulence, or strong downward airflows if flying in the near the Guadalupe Mountains. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Winds will be particularly hazardous at higher elevations where the strongest winds are likely to occur. Be especially careful driving in these mountainous areas. People driving high-profile vehicles should strongly consider postponing travel in these areas until the winds subside. Delay travel through Guadalupe Pass or find another route, if possible. Use caution if flying low near the mountains as severe turbulence is possible. && $$ LopezURGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM 1238 PM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 NMZ415-081000- /O.CON.KEPZ.WW.Y.0001.260108T0300Z-260109T1500Z/ Sacramento Mountains Above 7500 Feet- Including the cities of Cloudcroft, Apache Summit, and Sunspot 1238 PM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING TO 8 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Snow expected, in two rounds. Accumulations tonight through Thursday morning 2 to 4 inches above 7500 feet, with locally higher amounts above 9000 feet. Scattered light snow showers, gusty winds, and blowing snow at higher elevations through Thursday. Then brief heavy snow showers Thursday night into Friday morning, with an additional 1 to 3 inches above 6000 feet, and 2 to 4 inches above 7500 feet. * WHERE...Sacramento Mountains Above 7500 Feet. * WHEN...From 8 PM this evening to 8 AM MST Friday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult, especially at high elevations, with blowing snow continuing Thursday. Snow showers Thursday night could produce very heavy snowfall rates and near whiteout conditions over brief periods of time. Snow and blowing snow may impact the morning commute on Friday morning. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds may periodically gust over 45 mph, with blowing snow reducing visibility, especially at high elevations near exposed areas. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for New Mexico can be found at nmroads.com, or by dialing 511 from within the state. && $$URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 1205 PM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 NMZ205-226-080615- /O.CON.KABQ.WW.Y.0001.260107T2300Z-260109T1200Z/ West Central Plateau-South Central Mountains- 1205 PM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 5 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches below 8,000 feet with higher amounts of 6 to 12 inches above 8,000 feet. Sierra Blanca Peak and other areas above 10,000 feet will see amounts of 12 to 18 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...South Central Mountains and West Central Plateau. * WHEN...From 4 PM this afternoon to 5 AM MST Friday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Tire traction will be reduced. Extend the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. This includes along portions of I-40. The hazardous conditions will impact the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will initially be between 7,000 and 8,000 feet Wednesday evening before gradually lowering to all areas late Thursday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest road conditions, dial 511 or 1.800.432.4269, or visit http://nmroads.com. && $$Wind Advisory
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 1210 PM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 NMZ223-233-239-080600- /O.NEW.KABQ.WI.Y.0003.260108T1500Z-260108T2200Z/ Central Highlands-Guadalupe County-Eastern Lincoln County- 1210 PM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO 3 PM MST THURSDAY... * WHAT...West winds 25 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. * WHERE...Central Highlands, Eastern Lincoln County, and Guadalupe County. * WHEN...From 8 AM to 3 PM MST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs may be blown down. Expect strong crosswinds on area roadways. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Areas of blowing snow may impact I-40, reducing visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. && $$ 77URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 1210 PM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 NMZ240-080600- /O.NEW.KABQ.WI.Y.0003.260108T0600Z-260109T0000Z/ Southwest Chaves County- 1210 PM MST Wed Jan 7 2026 ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 5 PM MST THURSDAY... * WHAT...West winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected. * WHERE...Southwest Chaves County. * WHEN...From 11 PM this evening to 5 PM MST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs may be blown down. Expect strong crosswinds on area roadways. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The strongest winds will occur near the Guadalupe Mountains. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. && $$
Valid At 5 PM MST Today.
NWS New Mexico 3-Day Storm Total Precipitation Forecasts.
NWS New Mexico 3-Day Storm Total Snowfall Forecasts.
National Blend Of Models (NBM) Storm Total Snowfall Forecast.
Saturday Morning.
Sunday Morning.
There Are None So Blind As Those Who "Will - Not" To See...107.
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