A few days after El Paso experienced its warmest Christmas Day on record, a cold snap has moved in, bringing chilly temperatures, blustering winds and the potential for snow.
A winter weather advisory has been issued until 11 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 29, for parts of West Texas and Southern New Mexico as a strong cold front brings scattered rain and possible snow showers. El Paso was initially part of the advisory but was removed along with Hudspeth County early Monday morning. Some parts of Southern New Mexico, including Cloudcroft, are under a winter storm warning.
A winter weather advisory means light precipitation or patchy blowing snow will cause slick conditions, while a winter storm warning means high confidence that a winter storm will produce heavy snow or sleet that can cause significant impacts.
Temperatures in El Paso will plummet into the lower 40s on Monday morning, though the wind chill will make temperatures feel below freezing. The temperature high in El Paso is forecasted at 46 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
Will it snow in El Paso?
Scattered rain and snow showers are expected in the region on Monday, Dec. 29. Less than an inch of snow is forecasted in El Paso and Las Cruces, while the nearby Sacramento Mountains may see a total of up to seven inches, according to the National Weather Service.
Two to four inches of snow is expected in Otero Mesa and San Augustin Pass, while drivers along Interstate-25 and US-54 could experience a mix of rain and snow, the National Weather Service said. Drivers should use caution when driving on slick roads.
The potential for snow is short-lived — Tuesday, Dec. 30, is expected to be dry with a few flurries, according to the National Weather Service.
Tips for driving in snow
Drivers should always use caution when traveling, especially in snow. Here are some tips on how to drive safely in snow from AAA:
Road conditions can be monitored at DriveTexas.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Winter weather advisory issued for West Texas, Southern New Mexico
Reporting by Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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