First snow forecast to hit Albuquerque metro; East Mountains could get a few inches

Part of northern New Mexico could receive nearly a foot of snow while Bernalillo County may see anywhere between a dusting and a few inches.

From Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning, a system will bring heavy snow that could dump about 10 inches in places like Red River and Taos Ski Valley, said Randall Hergert, National Weather Service of Albuquerque meteorologist.

Highs are expected to be in the upper 20s in those places, according to NWS.

The metro area is expected to receive its first snow of the season, he said.

Albuquerque could see between “a trace to a couple of tenths of an inch” of snow while Sandia Crest could get 3 inches. Cedar Crest and other areas off N.M. 14 may receive an inch or two, Hergert said.

Temperatures are predicted to be in the low to mid-40s on Wednesday before dropping into the 20s at night when snow is expected.

Hergert said with the snow could come icy conditions.

“There could be some minor travel impacts, especially along Interstate 40 through Tijeras and near Sedillo Hill,” he said. “Always allow yourself extra time.”

Bernalillo County announced in a social media post that its crews are “ready to keep the 300(-plus) miles of East Mountain roads safe and clear.”

“They’ll tackle the busiest and windiest roads first, then move on to neighborhood areas,” according to the county. “Please be patient, drive carefully, and avoid passing plows while they’re working.”

Before people hit the road, Hergert said, they should brush snow from their car hoods because “that snow can fly off and hit the driver behind you.”