Area weather likely mild for holiday

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas in New Mexico, you’re going to have to head west. But if you’ll settle for a wet holiday week — merry Christmas.

Weather forecasters predict Christmas Day in Clovis and Portales will include highs in the 50s and little chance of precipitation. That’s the case for most of the eastern side of the state.

Snow is expected in the northern and western mountains, according to the National Weather Service.

Chama could receive up to 8 inches of snow and Cuba 4 inches by this morning, while the rest of the state is expected to receive 2 inches or less.

But chances of rain, and even a rain-snow mix, in the Clovis-Portales area late this week are excellent.

Thursday night features a 50% chance of rain in the region, while the odds increase to 90 percent by Friday.

More than a half inch of rain is expected, and it could snow on Saturday, though accumulations will be less than an inch, according to NWS.

Saturday could be a frightful day and night with a rain-snow mix expected, high temperatures in the 40s and wind gusts up to 40 mph at times.

Forecasters predict northeastern New Mexico could see a foot and a half of snow late this week, with “icy and difficult travel conditions,” according to AccuWeather.

Travelers can receive updated information online at: nmroads.com