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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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Much of New Mexico is bracing for two Arctic blasts set to hit the state this weekend through Monday.
Why It Matters
On Wednesday, temperatures across much of New Mexico were in the upper 30s or low 40s. In most cities, the temperatures were either near normal or up to 8 degrees Fahrenheit below average for this time of year. They will plunge even further this weekend amid two arctic blasts, with meteorologists urging people to look out for each other.
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New research published in December by the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that there has been an uptick in cold snaps, which have, "along with other possible factors, been linked to a doubling of U.S. deaths from freezing temperatures since 1999," an article on Accuweather's website said.
What to Know
A warming trend will continue to push temperatures higher than they were earlier this week. However, the first arctic blast will arrive Saturday, bringing snow that could cause "significant adverse travel impacts" to north central and eastern New Mexico, according to a special weather statement issued by the NWS office in Albuquerque.
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Meteorologists warned of snow-packed and icy roads on Saturday and into Saturday night from the Sangre De Cristo Mountain and Central Highland east to the Texas and Oklahoma borders. Temperatures will dip below freezing across much of the Albuquerque forecast region.
The coldest air will hit eastern New Mexico into Sunday. Wind chill will make the temperatures feel even colder.
The second arctic blast will hit Monday, also threatening dangerous temperatures and wind chills that will stretch further west. According to a temperature forecast map published by NWS Albuquerque, wind chill will plunge the feels-like temperature as low as 18 degrees below zero in Red River, and 16 degrees below zero in Taos. Subzero wind chill temperatures will extend as far south as Ruidoso. Wind chill will make the temperature in Albuquerque feel like 4 degrees below zero on Monday night.
In the hardest hit areas, temperatures will be as much as 30 degrees below average.
The low temperatures could prompt meteorologists to issue cold weather advisories in the area.
More snow is expected on Monday and Tuesday, mostly focused in the eastern part of the state's mountains. More travel impacts could occur at that time.
What People Are Saying
NWS meteorologist Matt DeMaria 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."
NWS Albuquerque in a special weather statement: "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
Temperatures will likely remain below average over the next 10 days, according to a six- to 10-day temperature outlook by the NWS Climate Prediction Center. There's a lower chance of below-average temperatures in the center's eight- to 14-day outlook.
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