Cold front brings strong winds, winter weather to parts of New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A stronger cold front could bring 1 to 2 inches of snow near Raton Pass and wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph by Thursday morning.

Rain and high-elevation snow chances will increase across northern New Mexico Wednesday evening, including Chama, Taos, Red River, the northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Tusas Mountains.

The far northern mountains could receive up to 1 inch of snow through Wednesday night, while most lower-elevation communities will see little or no accumulation.

The main upper-level storm system will move into southeastern Colorado tonight, which will keep a few rain and snow showers going across northern New Mexico.

At the same time, a cold front will push south and west into northeastern New Mexico and bring the main overnight weather impact.

Where will winds hit hardest?

The cold front has trended a little stronger, and north winds will increase sharply behind it from Clayton to Raton to Tucumcari to Clovis.

Wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph will be possible by Thursday morning, and colder air with the gusty north winds will make it feel more winter-like across the northeast and eastern plains.

The Raton Ridge will help squeeze additional moisture out of the atmosphere as the cold air moves in, which should produce a short period of snow around Raton, Raton Pass and the Interstate 25 corridor near the Colorado line.

The current forecast calls for 1 to 2 inches of snow around Raton Pass.

Travel impacts early Thursday

Snow totals are not large, but the timing could create a brief period of minor travel problems late tonight into early Thursday morning.

Drivers around Raton Pass could encounter slick roadways, reduced visibility, blowing snow and strong north winds.

The cold front will continue moving south through eastern New Mexico Thursday morning, with blustery north winds continuing from Clayton to Tucumcari to Clovis.

The strongest gusts will generally be around 30 to 40 mph, and the winds should begin to decrease later in the morning and through the afternoon.

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