Temperatures continue to cool off across the state in preparation for potential snowfall.
A strong low pressure system is dipping into Arizona today. This low will draw up moisture across New Mexico beginning tonight and into tomorrow. A strong cold front will also move through New Mexico tonight and into tomorrow. This front will be dropping temperatures statewide. By Thursday, the low pressure will move eastward into New Mexico.
A combination of the moisture and cooler temperatures will result in snowfall. This snow will come in three stages. The first stage is Tuesday through Wednesday Morning. This snowfall will be in Colorado and the Northern Mountains. Stage two will be Wednesday. This snowfall will move south into central and southern New Mexico. The heaviest snowfall will be in the Gila. With flurries and light dustings expected to be widespread. The third and final stage will be Thursday. This snowfall will continue to move south and slightly shift to the east with the low pressure. Once again, widespread flurries and dustings are expected.
Along with bringing snowfall, the low pressure will also be bringing wind. Winds will be strongest across the state on Tuesday. Gusts upwards of 30 mph are forecasted for western New Mexico. Gusts upwards of 55 mph are possible in the Metro. The winds will return to breezy on Wednesday and calm on Thursday.
The winds could be a problem for central New Mexico, specifically the Albuquerque Metro. The strong winds could create the infamous Albuquerque Snowhole in the middle of the week. This could lead to Albuquerque seeing much less snow than expected, or possibly even none at all.