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You’ve probably heard the rumors that New Mexico is just one big, endless heatwave, but honestly, anyone standing on the Plaza right now knows better. If you’re waking up in the City Different this Friday, January 16, 2026, the air has that sharp, crystalline bite that only happens at 7,000 feet. It’s pretty, sure, but it’s also undeniably freezing.
Currently, it's about 31°F outside. That sounds manageable until you factor in the "feels like" temp, which is hovering around 25°F.
Basically, if you aren't wearing a heavy coat and maybe some wool socks, you're going to have a bad time. The wind is coming out of the north at a gentle 5 mph, which isn't a gale by any means, but in this humidity—roughly 38%—it’s enough to make the cold settle right into your bones.
Santa Fe Weather Today: The High Desert Reality Check
The sun is out, and it’s doing its best. We’re looking at a high of 46°F later this afternoon. In some parts of the country, 46 degrees feels like shorts weather, but Santa Fe weather today is a bit of a trickster. Because the air is so thin and dry, the moment you step into a shadow, the temperature feels like it drops ten degrees instantly.
We’ve got a "sunny" designation for the daylight hours, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s a beach day.
"High-altitude sunlight is deceptively intense. Even when it’s 46 degrees, the UV rays can be punishing, though today the UV index is sitting at a big fat zero thanks to the winter angle and some periodic clouds."
The Nitty-Gritty Forecast Numbers
If you’re planning your day, here is the breakdown of what the sky is actually doing:
- Daytime Condition: Mostly sunny with a high of 46°F.
- Precipitation: Only a 5% chance of a stray snowflake during the day.
- Winds: Shifting slightly to the northeast at about 6 mph.
- Tonight: The floor drops out. We’re hitting a low of 22°F.
The humidity is expected to climb to about 45% by tonight, and that’s when things get interesting. There is a 10% chance of some light snow overnight. It’s not enough to break out the shovel, but you might see a dusting on the chamisa bushes come Saturday morning.
Why January in Santa Fe is Kinda Weird
Most people think of January as the "dead" month, but meteorologically, it's one of the most volatile times for Northern New Mexico. We are currently in a La Niña pattern for the 2025/2026 winter, which usually means "warmer and drier" for the state. However, the National Weather Service in Albuquerque has noted that northern New Mexico often defies these trends with sudden "backdoor" cold fronts.
That’s exactly what we’re seeing today. While southern New Mexico might be basking in the 50s, we are tethered to the cold air trapped against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Honestly, the "feels like" temperature is the only metric that matters right now. With the wind chill, your body is processing a temperature significantly lower than what the thermometer on your back porch says. It’s the kind of day where you’ll see locals wearing a Patagonia puffer over a formal work shirt. It’s just the Santa Fe way.
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Staying Comfortable in the Cold
If you’re heading out to Canyon Road or just grabbing a breakfast burrito, layer up. The temperature swing from the 22°F low to the 46°F high is a 24-degree jump. That is a massive range for a single afternoon.
Actionable Advice for Today:
- Hydrate aggressively: People forget that cold, dry air dehydrates you just as fast as summer heat.
- Check your tires: That 10% chance of overnight snow could create "black ice" on shaded patches of St. Francis Drive or Cerrillos Road.
- Sunscreen is still a thing: Even with a low UV index, the reflection off any lingering snow or light-colored adobe can catch you off guard.
- Protect the pipes: If you’re in an older adobe home with exposed plumbing, tonight’s 22°F is getting into the danger zone for frozen pipes.
The sky is expected to stay clear with periodic clouds, making for a potentially spectacular sunset around 5:14 PM. Just make sure you’re back inside by then, because once that sun dips behind the Jemez Mountains, the temperature is going to plummet faster than a lead weight.