ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A fast-moving Pacific front may bring brief snow squalls Wednesday afternoon and evening across northwest New Mexico, including near the Continental Divide, Gallup and Farmington.

Impacts could include sudden heavy snow, near zero visibility and quick accumulation of 1–2 inches. A flash freeze could create very hazardous travel conditions.

Travel across northwest New Mexico late today is discouraged if possible. Additional weak disturbances tonight keep a 10–30% chance of snow showers along and west of the central mountain chain.

Weather outlook

Additional snow amounts will be light and mainly in the mountains. Winds remain strong, especially along and east of the central mountain chain.

Thursday will still be windy, but not as strong as today. Gusts are generally 30–40 mph, with up to 50 mph along and east of the central mountain chain, especially in the morning.

Light snow showers remain possible west and north, with temperatures continuing to trend colder. Highs range from near average in the far east to up to 18 degrees below normal in western New Mexico.

Friday’s storm

Another storm moves through on Friday, bringing more snow for northwest and northern mountains. A few inches are likely, with up to 6 inches in the Tusas Mountains.

Another snow squall is possible Friday morning across northwest New Mexico, which may be stronger than today’s. Brief heavy snow and very low visibility are possible.

Winds will increase again, with gusts 40–50 mph common and near 60 mph possible along and east of the central mountain chain.

SANTA FE, N.M. — Members of the country’s only unsalaried legislature are asking voters to reconsider their volunteer status that has endured for 114 years since statehood in New Mexico.

The state Senate on Tuesday night narrowly endorsed a constitutional amendment that would do away with the state’s prohibition on legislative direct compensation. That allows voters to decide in November whether to tie legislative salaries to the median income level in New Mexico — about $67,000 currently.

After stalling for years, the initiative was promoted successfully this time by a group of young female legislators who have talked about the challenges of balancing work, family and legislative duties.

“Can working parents juggle child care, a mortgage and legislative service? Some of us do, but it’s not sustainable,” said Democratic state Sen. Angel Charley of Acoma, a sponsor of the measure. “When service requires personal wealth or extraordinary sacrifice, representation narrows. … Democracy shrinks.”

New Mexico taxpayers already foot the bill for travel expenses, and an allowance for meals and lodging, when the Legislature is in session. Many lawmakers also have access to public pension benefits.

New Mexico’s “citizen legislature” of volunteer politicians has long been a source of civic pride in the state. But advocates for professionalizing the New Mexico Legislature say the current system discourages young, working-class candidates from serving and can inhibit progress on complex policy issues as legislators juggle separate paid and political careers.

In New York and California, legislative salaries exceed $100,000, while New Hampshire opts for a nominal $100 annually per lawmaker.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Windy conditions will continue to take over New Mexico as the second weather system will move through the state Wednesday.

This is connected to a powerful low pressure system off to our north. It brought strong winds – as high as 200 mph in the upper levels above New Mexico!

This translates to the surface with wind alerts issued for all of New Mexico and the outer-lying areas in our viewing area. You can expect wind gusts ranging from 30-65 mph. The highest wind gusts will be over far western New Mexico and the central mountain chain. The Albuquerque metro will seek gusts peak at around 45 mph, which could result in blowing dust – and reduced visibility and lower air quality.

There is also a red flag warning for eastern and southern New Mexico. Winter weather alerts are also in effect for the Tusas and Chuskas Mountains and the southern Rockies for blowing snow.

Meteorologist Amanda Goluszka shares all the details in her full forecast in the video above.

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