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Cooling systems affect resources, climate, and health (PDF, 237 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
Mike Crimmins, UA Extension Specialist
Stephanie Doster, ISPE Information Specialist
Gregg Garfin, ISPE Deputy Director of Outreach
Kristen Nelson, ISPE Associate Editor
Sara O’Brian, ISPE Assistant Staff Scientist
Nancy J. Selover, Arizona State Climatologist
Forecasts and Outlooks > Archive
Southwest Climate Outlook - September 2007
Date issued: September 27, 2007
A. Summary
The September 27, 2007 outlook is also available in a single, downloadable, printer-friendly file. [September 2007 PDF, 2.09 MB]
Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. |
Drought – There has been little change in drought conditions across Arizona since last month. Moderate to severe drought continues across much of the state with west-central areas experiencing the worst conditions. Most of New Mexico remains drought free, but central and northeastern parts of the state are being monitored for developing drought conditions due to several months of below-average precipitation.
Temperature – Temperatures were generally above-average across both Arizona and New Mexico. Most locations observed monthly average temperatures that were 2–5 degrees F above average.
Precipitation – Precipitation amounts were spotty across Arizona over the past thirty days, but generally below average. Most locations saw less than 75 percent of average precipitation for the period. Portions of southwestern and north-central New Mexico observed 100–200 percent of average precipitation over the same period. Central and northeastern New Mexico saw much below-average precipitation.
Climate Forecasts – Temperature forecasts continue to predict above-average temperatures across Arizona and New Mexico through the fall and into the winter season. The precipitation outlook also continues to paint Arizona and New Mexico with a below-average fall and winter precipitation forecast due to developing La Niña conditions in the Pacific Ocean.
The Bottom Line – Waning monsoon precipitation over the past month has done little to improve drought conditions across Arizona, while another month of below-average precipitation across portions of New Mexico is prompting concern about drought conditions developing. The continuation of above-average temperatures and a developing La Niña event could mean more dry and warm conditions through the fall and into the winter season.
New minimum low of Arctic sea ice
For more information visit http://nsidc.org/... | This month's cover photo
This photo of a horned toad was taken last month in Tucson, Arizona. For more information on the horned toad visit: http://www.desertmuseum.org/ Source: Steve Novy, ISPE |
Climate change was in the news again, with the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) reporting a new minimum low extent of Arctic sea ice of 1.59 million square miles, based on data since 1979. Ice extent is the total area covered by some amount of ice, including open water between ice floes, according to the NSIDC. The 2007 minimum sea ice extent was approximately 460,000 square miles less than the previous low, set in 2005. That decrease is equivalent to roughly the size of Texas and California combined. Several Arctic science specialists speculated that this year’s low was unmatched by any low during the twentieth century, including during an exceptionally warm period in the 1930s. The summer ice retreat season left Canada’s Northwest Passage open for weeks. 
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