New Mexico is bracing for a powerful one-two punch of winter storms this week, as meteorologists warn of heavy snow, rain, high winds, and potentially hazardous travel conditions across much of the state. As the first storm moved in on January 7, 2026, winter storm warnings and advisories blanketed the region, signaling the start of what could be the most significant winter weather event of the season so far.
According to KOAT 7, the initial system brought a mix of rain and snow to a wide swath of New Mexico, with the heaviest impacts reserved for the state’s northern and western mountains. In Santa Fe, residents watched as rain transitioned to snow, coating the city’s historic plaza in white and dropping temperatures to a chilly 35 degrees. Albuquerque, meanwhile, saw rain puddling in the streets, though forecasters warned that snow could mix in—especially in the foothills and on the West Mesa—if temperatures dropped further overnight.
“A mix of some rain and changing over to snow as we head through these colder temperatures,” said KOAT 7’s weather team, noting that the Sandia and Manzano Mountains were already seeing snow accumulation. The radar lit up with patches of green, yellow, and blue, illustrating the complex interplay of rain, melting snow aloft, and fresh snowfall across the region.
By the evening of January 7, the National Weather Service had issued winter storm warnings for the northern and western mountains of New Mexico. According to Action 7 News, areas below 7,500 feet in the northern mountains were expected to receive between 3 and 6 inches of snow, while elevations above 7,500 feet could see 6 to 12 inches. In the western mountains, accumulations of 2 to 6 inches were likely above 8,000 feet, with Whitewater Baldy peak potentially buried under 18 to 24 inches by Friday morning.
“Heavy snow could make travel very difficult,” Action 7 News warned, advising motorists to check current road conditions on NMRoads.com before venturing out. The warnings were set to remain in effect through the morning of January 9, as the second, colder system loomed on the horizon.
Chief Meteorologist Eddie Garcia, reporting for a local Albuquerque outlet, echoed these concerns. “Rain and mountain snow are set to spread across New Mexico overnight, with advisories and warnings in effect for areas above 7,500 feet,” Garcia explained. He predicted several inches of snow in the higher terrains of western and northern New Mexico from Wednesday night through Friday, adding that “some mountain areas could receive up to a foot or more of snow, particularly above 9,000 feet.”
While the mountains faced the brunt of the storm, lower elevations like Albuquerque were expected to see mostly rain or a light dusting of snow, especially in the foothills. “Albuquerque looks like primarily rain event here in the metro,” KOAT 7’s meteorologist said, but cautioned that “it will be chilly.” Overnight lows were forecast to drop sharply, with Albuquerque predicted to hit 19 degrees on Saturday morning—the coldest temperature since January of the previous year.
The wintry blast was not limited to snow and cold. High wind warnings and advisories were issued for parts of southeast New Mexico and the central mountain chain, particularly around Ruidoso, Alamogordo, and Carlsbad. Gusty winds were expected to make travel even more treacherous, especially for high-profile vehicles on exposed stretches of highway.
Travelers were urged to exercise caution on several key routes, including I-40 from Grants to Gallup and through the East Mountains, Highway 285 from Santa Fe to Española, Highway 550 to Bloomfield, and the I-25 corridor around Raton and Las Vegas. “Impact weather for Friday because of that snow that could cause dicey travel,” KOAT 7’s meteorologist warned, adding that the northern mountain ski areas would likely welcome the fresh powder—but not the hazardous roads leading up to them.
Elsewhere in the state, communities like Grants, Gallup, Silver City, Deming, and the Sacramento Mountains saw a mix of rain and snow on January 7. In Silver City and the surrounding Gila region, rain let up briefly before more showers were forecast to return with the next system. Temperatures varied dramatically across New Mexico, from a brisk 33 degrees in Grants to a relatively mild 55 degrees in Carlsbad, where a wind advisory was posted for January 8 and 9.
The pattern of alternating rain and snow was expected to continue as the second, colder storm system arrived Thursday night into Friday, January 8-9. Forecasters predicted that this system would bring “heavy snow and blowing snow possible,” especially across northern and northeastern New Mexico. “A large part of New Mexico getting beneficial rainfall and of course that snow heaviest in the dark blue across the northern mountains and western and high terrain of the southwest as well,” KOAT 7 reported.
By Saturday morning, January 10, the cold snap was set to deepen, with Albuquerque’s 19-degree low marking the coldest morning in over a year. In Farmington, the Four Corners, Durango, Chinle, Gallup, and Grants, residents were advised to “watch out for the snow and slick roads tomorrow morning in some areas and then cold, gusty winds on Friday.”
For those hoping for a reprieve, the forecast offered little comfort. “Another chance as we go into tomorrow night and Friday,” KOAT 7’s meteorologist said, suggesting that the unsettled weather pattern could persist into the weekend. Even areas like Roswell, which were expected to see mainly rain, would not escape the cold, with temperatures plunging for the weekend.
Throughout the storm, officials reminded residents to stay informed by monitoring local weather updates and checking road conditions before traveling. With winter storm warnings and advisories in place, and a second, potentially more severe system on the way, New Mexicans were urged to prepare for a challenging end to the week.
As the state hunkers down for another round of winter weather, the only certainty is that New Mexico’s famously unpredictable climate is once again keeping everyone on their toes.
