Drought status conditions for the southwestern United States are identical to conditions last month, as reported by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Compared to this time last year, drought status in northern Arizona dropped from exceptional to extreme status. Southwestern Arizona drought status has also decreased, going from extreme drought status to abnormally dry or moderate. Drought index values and satellite vegetation health indices for locations in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico (not pictured), indicate continued extreme to exceptional drought conditions andvegetation stress. U.S. Drought Monitor status for New Mexico looks more severe than it did at this time last year. Whereas last year only the northwestern corner of the state was declared to be in severe to exceptional drought status, this year severe conditions represent the low end of the range throughout the state. Most of the areas deemed in extreme drought this year were in abnormally dry to moderate condition at this time last year. Especially dry conditions have been observed in southeastern New Mexico.
Southwest Climate Outlook January 2004
Published by the Climate Assessment for the Southwest (CLIMAS), with support from University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, the Arizona State Climate Office, and the New Mexico State Climate office.
Disclaimer. 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, and the State Climate Office at Arizona State University (ASU) 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 Extension, and the State Climate Office at ASU 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.