Slim chance of snowfall by New Year's Day

The National Weather Service claims snowfall across eastern New Mexico is possible by New Year’s Day.

But don’t expect much.

“If we get anything it might be Saturday,” said Dan Heerding, Clovis’ emergency management director. “(T)he La Nina is keeping everything to the north.”

La Nina weather patterns lead to drought in the Southern U.S. While some local areas saw traces of rain on Monday night, it’s been nearly 80 days since the region has seen measurable precipitation.

National Weather Service reports chances of moisture in the Clovis-Portales area will be around 20 percent starting Thursday night and continuing through Saturday.

While the odds of getting wet remain small, the odds of high winds blowing us into 2022 are strong. Thursday could see gusts as high as 40 mph and the winds are expected to pick up again Friday night.

Cooler temperatures are also expected to accompany the chance of moisture. Highs are expected to be in the mid-50s through Friday; New Year’s Day predictions are for a high of 35 with a low of 14 degrees.

The Albuquerque Journal contributed to this report.