You’ve seen the postcards of the high desert—red rocks, turquoise skies, maybe a lonely cactus. But if you’re looking at New Mexico today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, the picture is a bit more complicated. Honestly, it's that weird transition phase where the state is caught between a sunny afternoon and a freezing night.
Most people assume "snow in New Mexico" means a state-wide blanket of white. That's rarely how it works here. Today, specifically, we are looking at a massive divide between the high-altitude peaks and the valley floors. While Albuquerque is sitting pretty at around 55°F right now, the mountain forecasts are telling a different story for tonight.
The Reality of Snow in New Mexico Today
If you’re standing in downtown Santa Fe or cruising through the Duke City, you’re likely seeing sunshine. Lots of it.
But don't let the 59°F high in some parts of the state fool you. The humidity is bone-dry—around 14% to 20%—which means as soon as that sun dips behind the Jemez Mountains, the temperature is going to crater. We're talking a drop from a balmy afternoon to a 28°F low tonight.
That temperature swing is exactly why the National Weather Service is keeping a 10% chance of snow in the cards for late tonight and early Monday morning. It's not a blizzard. It’s more of a "dusting that might surprise you on your windshield tomorrow" kind of situation.
📖 Related: TSA PreCheck Look Up Number: What Most People Get Wrong
What's Happening in the High Country?
The ski resorts are the only places where the word "snow" actually carries weight today. Places like Ski Santa Fe and Taos Ski Valley are holding onto respectable bases, but they aren't exactly getting hammered with fresh powder this afternoon.
- Ski Santa Fe: They’re reporting a base depth of about 28 inches. All 7 lifts are open. It’s machine-groomed stuff right now because the last significant snowfall was a few days back.
- Taos Ski Valley: Similar story here. The base is hovering between 25 and 33 inches depending on where you are on the mountain.
Basically, the "winter storm" vibes from earlier this month have settled into a "spring skiing" rhythm for the day, even though we're in the dead of January.
Why the Forecast is Trickier Than It Looks
You might hear locals talking about "virga." That’s when rain or snow starts falling from the clouds but evaporates before it hits the dry desert air. Today has that exact setup.
The clouds will start rolling in tonight. You’ll see them stacking up against the Sangre de Cristos. Because the lower atmosphere is so dry, most of that 10% precipitation chance might just stay up in the air.
👉 See also: Historic Sears Building LA: What Really Happened to This Boyle Heights Icon
However, for those driving over I-40 at Tijeras Pass or heading up toward Raton Pass, that small percentage matters. When the ground is cold and the air is dry, even a tiny bit of moisture can turn into "black ice" quickly. It's kinda the silent killer of New Mexico winters. You think the roads are just wet, but they’re actually glass.
Looking Back at the January 7-9 Storm
To understand why everyone is obsessing over the weather today, you have to look back at what happened about ten days ago. New Mexico got absolutely walloped.
Whitewater Baldy Peak saw nearly 24 inches of snow in that window. The Western Mountains—including the Chuska and Southwest ranges—faced heavy winter storm warnings that shut down chunks of I-40. Today is essentially the "hangover" from that system. The snow you see on the peaks today isn't new; it’s the remains of that massive early-January dump.
Travel Logistics: Managing the Roads Today
If you're planning on driving through the state today, the NMRoads system is your best friend.
✨ Don't miss: Why the Nutty Putty Cave Seal is Permanent: What Most People Get Wrong About the John Jones Site
Currently, most major arteries like I-25 and I-40 are clear, but roadwork is still a thing. Down near the border and up through the central corridor, you've got standard winter maintenance happening.
The real advice? Get where you’re going before 10:00 PM.
Once the sun is gone, the "feels like" temperature will plummet. With west winds hitting about 11 to 18 mph, that 28°F low is going to feel significantly colder. Wind chill in the high desert is no joke—it bites.
Actionable Steps for Today
If you're chasing the snow or just trying to avoid it, do these three things:
- Check the Cams: Don't trust a general "New Mexico" forecast. Check the live NMDOT cameras at Tijeras, La Bajada, and Raton Pass. The weather changes every ten miles in this state.
- Layer Up: It is 55°F now. It will be below freezing by midnight. If you're out at a brewery or a gallery, bring the heavy coat. You’ll feel silly carrying it at 3:00 PM, but you’ll be a genius by 8:00 PM.
- Watch the Wind: The 18 mph gusts predicted for tonight can make high-profile vehicles (RVs, trucks) sway on the open plains between Albuquerque and Santa Rosa. Keep two hands on the wheel.
New Mexico's weather is a moody beast. Today isn't about a massive storm; it's about the subtle, freezing shift that happens when the desert sun goes to bed. Keep an eye on those northern peaks—if they start disappearing into the gray late tonight, that 10% snow chance just became your morning commute reality.