Arctic Blasts Set to Hit New Mexico Twice in Five Days

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New Mexico is preparing for two Arctic blasts expected to bring freezing temperatures and snow this weekend through Monday.

Why It Matters

On Wednesday, temperatures across much of New Mexico ranged from the upper 30s to low 40s, slightly below average for this time of year. This weekend, temperatures are forecast to drop significantly, prompting meteorologists to urge residents to stay vigilant and help one another.

Recent research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association highlights a rise in cold snaps across the U.S., which, alongside other factors, has contributed to a doubling of deaths from freezing temperatures since 1999, according to AccuWeather.

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What to Know

While a warming trend has pushed temperatures higher earlier this week, the first Arctic blast is expected to arrive Saturday. Snowfall could create “significant adverse travel impacts” across north-central and eastern New Mexico, according to a special weather statement from the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Albuquerque.

Snow-packed and icy roads are anticipated Saturday and Saturday night, particularly from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Central Highlands extending eastward to the Texas and Oklahoma borders. Temperatures across much of the Albuquerque forecast area are expected to dip below freezing.

The coldest conditions will affect eastern New Mexico on Sunday, with wind chills making it feel even colder.

The second Arctic blast will strike Monday, bringing dangerous wind chills further west. According to NWS Albuquerque, wind chill could drop the feels-like temperature to as low as 18 degrees below zero in Red River and 16 degrees below zero in Taos. Subzero wind chills may extend as far south as Ruidoso. In Albuquerque, wind chills could make it feel like 4 degrees below zero by Monday night.

In some areas, temperatures may plunge as much as 30 degrees below average, potentially leading to cold weather advisories.

Additional snow is forecast for Monday and Tuesday, primarily affecting the eastern part of the state’s mountains, which could cause further travel issues.

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What People Are Saying

Matt DeMaria, an NWS meteorologist, told Newsweek: “It’s not uncommon for us to get these Arctic intrusions this time of year, but that being said, it can still be very impactful.”

In a special weather statement, NWS Albuquerque advised: “Residents of east-central and northeast NM should prepare for an extended period of subfreezing temperatures beginning Saturday that will necessitate precautions for people, plants, pipes, and pets.”

What Happens Next

The NWS Climate Prediction Center’s six- to 10-day temperature outlook predicts below-average temperatures to persist over the next 10 days. However, the eight- to 14-day outlook shows a lower likelihood of continued below-average temperatures.

Residents are encouraged to take precautions and stay updated on weather advisories as conditions develop.

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