If you woke up in the Mesilla Valley this morning, you probably experienced that classic desert identity crisis. One minute you're shivering in a heavy flannel because it's 35 degrees, and four hours later you’re peeling off layers because the Chihuahuan Desert sun decided to crank things up. Honestly, that’s just life here. The current weather in las cruces new mexico is currently sitting at a comfortable 61°F as of mid-afternoon this Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
It’s bright. It’s dry. And if you’re looking at the Organ Mountains right now, they’re looking sharp against a sky that’s basically a solid block of turquoise.
The "Backdoor Front" keeping things interesting
We’ve got a bit of a weird atmospheric dance happening. Meteorologists from the National Weather Service in El Paso/Santa Teresa have been tracking a "backdoor" cold front. Usually, our weather comes from the west, but a backdoor front sneaks in from the northeast. It sounds ominous, but in reality, it just means we’re seeing some breezy conditions on the east side of town and near the passes.
Wind speeds are hovering around 8 mph coming from the southeast. It’s not enough to kick up a massive dust storm—thankfully—but you’ll definitely feel it if you’re out hiking the Soledad Canyon Loop. The humidity is bottoming out at 25%, which is typical for us. If you aren't from around here, your skin probably feels like parchment paper right now. Drink more water than you think you need.
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What to expect for the rest of the week
If you’re planning your weekend or just trying to figure out if you can finally wash the car, the outlook is pretty steady. We are currently in a pattern where a high-pressure ridge is camping out over the Southwest. This is pushing our temperatures about 5 degrees above the seasonal average for mid-January.
Tonight will be clear and crisp. Expect a low around 32°F or 34°F. It’s a "light a fire in the grate" kind of evening.
Looking ahead:
Thursday is looking like a carbon copy of today. Highs will hit 62°F. Calm winds.
Friday gets even better with a high near 63°F. Perfect for a patio lunch downtown.
Saturday and Sunday stay in that "sweet spot" of low 60s during the day and mid-30s at night.
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Basically, the current weather in las cruces new mexico is stuck on repeat, and most of us aren't complaining. While the rest of the country is dealing with slush and gray skies, we’ve got "Chamber of Commerce" weather.
The desert's dramatic temperature swings
You've probably noticed that 30-degree gap between the daily high and low. That’s the diurnal range. Because our air is so dry and we’re sitting at an elevation of about 3,900 feet, the atmosphere doesn't hold onto heat once the sun goes down.
It’s a common mistake for visitors to pack just a light jacket. Don't do that. You need a heavy coat for the 7:00 AM coffee run and a t-shirt for the 2:00 PM walk. It’s a constant cycle of dressing and undressing.
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Real talk on the "Dry" January
We aren't seeing any rain. Like, zero. The chance of precipitation for the next seven days is basically non-existent. While the sunshine is great for the mood, the lack of moisture is a reminder of our arid reality. We are technically in our dry season, which usually lasts until the monsoons hit in July.
Historically, January is one of our coldest months, but 2026 is starting off on the milder side. We haven't seen anything close to the record low of -10°F set back in 1962. Honestly, let’s hope it stays that way.
Actionable tips for today:
- Sunscreen is mandatory: Even at 61 degrees, the UV index is hitting a 3 today. At this altitude, the sun bites.
- Hydrate your house: If you have indoor plants or sensitive skin, run a humidifier tonight. The 25% humidity will zap moisture out of everything.
- Check your tires: These big temperature swings (30s to 60s) can mess with your tire pressure. If that little light pops up on your dashboard, it’s probably just the cold morning air.
- Plan outdoor activities for 11 AM to 4 PM: This is the "golden window" where the temperature is actually pleasant before the shadow of the mountains makes everything chilly again.
Keep an eye on the horizon for any dust—though with winds this light, you should be in the clear for a great New Mexico sunset tonight.