New Mexico Faces Record-Breaking Cold, School Closures

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A historic cold snap gripped New Mexico on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, with wind chills plunging as low as -34 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas, prompting widespread school closures and delays. The extreme cold, accompanied by biting winds, has shattered records and forced residents to brace for one of the coldest days in recent memory.

Meteorologists reported temperatures as low as -17 degrees in Raton and 11 degrees below zero in Grants, with wind chills making it feel even colder. Albuquerque’s Sunport recorded single-digit temperatures, a rarity for the region. “This is impact cold,” said a local meteorologist, emphasizing the severity of the conditions. “We’re seeing wind chills that make it feel like 25 below in some areas.”

Schools across the state, including in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Grants, announced closures or delayed openings due to the dangerous conditions. Parents were advised to bundle up children and allow extra time for vehicles to warm up. “It’s rough out there this morning,” said a local reporter. “This is a day to stay indoors if you can.”

Cold weather advisories and extreme cold warnings were issued statewide, with wind chills expected to remain below zero for much of the morning. By midday, temperatures were forecast to rise slightly, but most areas would struggle to reach freezing. “We may spend only two to four hours above 32 degrees this afternoon,” said a meteorologist. “Even with sunshine, it’s going to stay bitterly cold.”

Residents were urged to dress in layers and limit outdoor exposure. The cold snap marks only the third time in the past four years that Albuquerque has experienced such extreme lows. “This is somewhat rare air for us,” said a local weather expert. “We’ve had cold days, but nothing that rivals this.”

As the state endures the frigid conditions, officials are reminding the public to check for updates on school closures and weather alerts through local news outlets and apps like KOAT. The cold front is expected to linger through Tuesday before gradually easing later in the week.