Below Freezing Temperatures to Start the Weekend

Cold fronts bring frigid weather to New Mexico, with freeze warnings and blustery winds.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:35pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of blue, gray, and white, depicting a vast, frozen expanse of land under a dramatic, turbulent sky. The scene conveys a sense of the overwhelming power and scale of the natural world, with any physical structures or objects barely visible and dwarfed by the elements.The sudden arrival of frigid temperatures and blustery winds serves as a stark reminder of New Mexico's unpredictable climate and the need for residents to remain vigilant in the face of rapidly changing weather conditions.Moriarty Today

Temperatures have plummeted across New Mexico after two cold fronts moved through the state in the last 24 hours, with the metro area and northern regions seeing temperatures in the teens, 20s, and 30s. The National Weather Service has issued freeze warnings until 9 a.m. for several locations, and a back-door cold front in the east has brought wind gusts up to 45 mph. However, the weather is expected to warm up over the weekend and into early next week, with highs reaching the 70s in southern parts of the state.

Why it matters

Sudden drops in temperature can pose risks to public safety, agriculture, and infrastructure, making it important for residents to be prepared. The changing weather patterns also highlight the unpredictable nature of New Mexico's climate, which can have significant impacts on the state's economy and way of life.

The details

The cold front that moved through New Mexico brought temperatures plummeting across the state, with the Moriarty area falling to the teens and other cities bottoming out near freezing. The National Weather Service has issued freeze warnings until 9 a.m. for several locations in northern and central New Mexico. A separate back-door cold front in the east has also brought wind gusts of 30-45 mph or more to southeastern parts of the state.

  • The first cold front passed through New Mexico within the last 24 hours.
  • A second cold front moved through the state this morning, bringing the blustery winds to eastern New Mexico.
  • Freeze warnings are in effect until 9 a.m. for several locations in northern and central New Mexico.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related warnings and advisories.

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What’s next

Temperatures are expected to warm up over the weekend and into early next week, with highs reaching the 70s in southern parts of the state by next Tuesday.

The takeaway

This sudden cold snap serves as a reminder of New Mexico's unpredictable climate and the importance of being prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. As the state transitions into warmer weather, residents should stay informed about any potential impacts on agriculture, infrastructure, and public safety.