National Weather ServiceNew MexicoWinter Storm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Watches in New Mexico
The National Weather Service issued 10 winter storm watches for New Mexico in 2025 and 18 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 23rd most of any state. 2026 through September: 6, 47% below the average of 11 for those months in 2008-2025. Jemez Mountains was covered most often (114 times since 2008).
How many winter storm watches does New Mexico get?
Every winter storm watch that covered part of New Mexico. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 6 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2024 | 17 |
| 2023 | 17 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2019 | 17 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2017 | 16 |
| 2016 | 13 |
| 2015 | 28 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2013 | 23 |
| 2012 | 19 |
| 2011 | 22 |
| 2010 | 32 |
| 2009 | 25 |
| 2008 | 24 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jemez Mountains | 114 | 22 | January 23, 2026 |
| East Slopes Sangre de Cristo Mountains | 98 | 16 | April 30, 2026 |
| San Juan Mountains | 97 | 0 | March 31, 2019 |
| Northern Sangre de Cristos above 9500 feet/Red River | 88 | 0 | April 13, 2019 |
| Southern Sangre de Cristos above 9500 feet | 85 | 0 | April 13, 2019 |
| West Slopes Sangre de Cristo Mountains | 78 | 0 | April 13, 2019 |
| Far Northwest Highlands | 67 | 5 | February 14, 2025 |
| Northeast Highlands | 65 | 7 | January 23, 2026 |
| Far Northeast Highlands | 64 | 8 | April 4, 2025 |
| West Central Mountains | 62 | 6 | November 6, 2024 |
| Upper Rio Grande Valley | 58 | 3 | January 23, 2026 |
| Raton Ridge/Johnson Mesa | 57 | 0 | April 13, 2019 |
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 winter storm watch?
A winter storm watch means a significant winter storm is possible in the coming days. 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. The national record · Every warning type in New Mexico.