Raton Pass set for 1 to 3 inches of snow; 35 mph gusts expected statewide

A cold front moving south into northeastern New Mexico will bring 1 to 2 inches of snow to Raton Pass Wednesday night into early Thursday. Locally, some areas could see up to 3 inches of accumulation.

The National Weather Service forecast identifies the Interstate 25 corridor near the Colorado border and parts of U.S. 64 as the primary areas for this brief snow event. Raton, Raton Pass, and Capulin are specifically named in the watch zone for the Wednesday night snowfall.

Strong winds will affect the state during the day. West to northwest winds of 15 to 25 mph are expected to become common, with gusts reaching 30 to 35 mph in many locations. The strongest winds will likely hit the central mountain chain, northern mountains, northeastern highlands, and the Continental Divide.

Temperatures will remain comfortable for early November despite the breezy conditions. Most lower-elevation communities are expected to reach the 50s and 60s under partly to mostly sunny skies. High clouds will clear from northwest to southeast by Wednesday morning, allowing for increased sunshine across the state.

A Pacific storm system moving across Colorado on Wednesday will keep most moisture north of New Mexico, keeping the state largely dry. However, a few light showers may develop late Wednesday near the Colorado border. Better chances for these showers exist in Chama, Red River, Taos Ski Valley, the northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and the Tusas Mountains.

Snow levels are expected to hover around 9,500 feet, meaning most lower-elevation communities will see little or no snow. Higher peaks may pick up light accumulation. Patchy fog is possible in sheltered valleys in northwestern and north-central New Mexico, as well as the upper Rio Grande Valley, where ground saturation from recent rain and snow remains high.