National Weather ServiceNew MexicoFreeze WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Freeze Watches in New Mexico
The National Weather Service issued 11 freeze watches for New Mexico in 2025 and 7 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 27th most of any state. 2026 through September: 3, 50% above the average of 2 for those months in 2008-2025. Harding County was covered most often (26 times since 2008).
How many freeze watches does New Mexico get?
Every freeze watch that covered part of New Mexico. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 3 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2015 | 9 |
| 2014 | 19 |
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2012 | 8 |
| 2011 | 6 |
| 2010 | 8 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2008 | 2 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does New Mexico get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in New Mexico?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harding County | 26 | 4 | May 7, 2026 |
| Guadalupe County | 26 | 4 | April 18, 2026 |
| Union County | 25 | 3 | May 7, 2026 |
| Northern Lea County | 25 | 4 | October 29, 2025 |
| Far Northeast Highlands | 25 | 5 | May 7, 2026 |
| Quay County | 24 | 2 | October 29, 2025 |
| Middle Rio Grande Valley/Albuquerque Metro Area | 24 | 3 | October 29, 2025 |
| Northwest Plateau | 23 | 6 | May 7, 2026 |
| Northeast Highlands | 23 | 5 | May 7, 2026 |
| Estancia Valley | 23 | 6 | April 18, 2026 |
| Central Lea County | 23 | 3 | October 29, 2025 |
| Santa Fe Metro Area | 21 | 5 | May 7, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a freeze watch?
A freeze watch means temperatures at or below 32°F are possible during the growing season. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. AreaZine's counts include the hard freeze watches issued before the change. The national record · Every warning type in New Mexico.