Santa Fe, NM - december 14, 2023 – New Mexico is poised for a slightly drier and warmer winter than usual, according to the latest outlook from the National Weather Service (NWS).The prediction, released today, indicates a high probability of above-average temperatures across much of the state from December through February.
The NWS climate Prediction center’s winter outlook favors warmer-than-normal conditions for the entire state, with the highest confidence in the northern and western regions. Precipitation outlooks lean towards drier conditions, notably in the southern half of New Mexico.
“We’re not anticipating a major shift in the overall pattern,” said NWS meteorologist Kevin Startt. “La Niña conditions are present in the Pacific ocean, which typically bring warmer and drier winters to the Southwest.”
While the outlook doesn’t rule out the possibility of winter storms, it suggests they may be less frequent or less intense than average. This could have implications for snowpack in the mountains, a crucial source of water for the state. new Mexico has experienced prolonged drought conditions in recent years, and reduced snowpack could exacerbate water resource challenges.
The NWS emphasizes that these are probabilities, not guarantees, and localized variations are always possible.Residents are encouraged to stay informed about short-term forecasts and prepare for winter weather conditions, irrespective of the long-range outlook. Updated forecasts and information are available on the NWS website: https://www.weather.gov/abq/.
