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A shift toward aridity (PDF, 921 KB)
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Note: This work is published by the Climate Assessment for the Southwest (CLIMAS) project and the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension; and is funded by CLIMAS, Institute for the Study of Planet Earth, and the Technology and Research Initiative Fund of the University of Arizona Water Sustainability Program through the SAHRA NSF Science and Technology Center at the University of Arizona.
This packet contains official and non-official forecasts, as well as other information. While we make every effort to verify this information, please understand that we do not warrant the accuracy of any of these materials. The user assumes the entire risk related to the use of this data. CLIMAS, UA Cooperative Extension, SAHRA, and WSP disclaim any and all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including (without limitation) any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will CLIMAS, UA Cooperative Extention, SAHRA, WSP, or The University of Arizona be liable to you or to any third party for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special or exemplary damages or lost profit resulting from any use or misuse of this data. Read full disclaimer
Joe Abraham, CLIMAS Assistant Staff Scientist
Deborah Bathke, New Mexico State Climatologist
Ashley Coles, CLIMAS Graduate Research Associate
Mike Crimmins, UA Extension Specialist
Stephanie Doster, ISPE Information Specialist
Gregg Garfin, ISPE Deputy Director of Outreach
Kristen Nelson, ISPE Associate Editor
Nancy J. Selover, Arizona State Climatologist
Forecasts and Outlooks > Archive
Southwest Climate Outlook - March 2008
Date issued: March 26, 2008
A. Summary
The March 26, 2008 outlook is also available in a single, downloadable, printer-friendly file. [March 2008 PDF, 3.38 MB]
Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. |
Drought – Continued wet conditions have helped improve short-term drought conditions across much of Arizona this month. Drought conditions expanded across southern and eastern New Mexico due to below-average precipitation in February.
Temperature – Temperatures were close to average across much of Arizona and New Mexico over the past thirty days.
Precipitation – Much of Arizona and northern New Mexico observed below- average precipitation over the past thirty days. Spotty precipitation fell across the northern portions of both states during the period.
ENSO – Strong La Niña conditions persisted again this month across the Pacific Ocean. Sea surface temperatures fell to 3 degrees C in parts of the western Pacific while the Southern Oscillation Index rose to 2.7, both indicative of a strong and mature La Niña.
Climate Forecasts – Seasonal climate forecasts project above-average temperatures and equal-chances for below-average, average, or above-average precipitation. While strong trends in increasing temperatures continue to support an above-average temperature forecast for the Southwest.
The Bottom Line – Arizona and New Mexico appear to be making the transition from an unusually wet and cool winter into a warm and dry spring. Drought conditions have improved across much of Arizona and northern New Mexico, but have deteriorated across southern New Mexico due to persistent below-average precipitation. La Niña is expected to continue through the spring, but typically has diminished impacts on the Southwest during this dry season. Seasonal climate outlooks reflect this diminished impact
| Web-based climate resources
Interested in learning more about climate? Online climate learning modules through The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension take you through everything from the difference between weather and climate to explanations of how the El Niño-Southern Oscillation works. The monthly state temperature and precipitation update presents maps and analyses of the progression of Arizona temperature and precipitation during the last four years. The New Mexico Community Collaborative Rain Hail & Snow Network website shows data and maps of precipitation measured by volunteer weather observers in New Mexico. Arizona Cooperative Extension Climate Learning Arizona State Climate Office | This month's cover photo
Poppies were early indicators of a good wildflower season around Tucson, Arizona earlier this month. Updates of the wildflower season are posted online by the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum and can be found at Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. Source: Dan Ferguson, CLIMAS |
| B. Recent Conditions > |