New Mexico Drought Status

Unusually dry late winter and early spring weather during the past 30 days helped expand and intensify drought conditions across New Mexico. Precipitation in most of southern and western New Mexico measured less than 50 percent of average, with many places experiencing no rain or snow. Since January 1, precipitation across the state has been less than 70 percent of average. As a result, about 86 percent of New Mexico is classified with moderate drought conditions or a more severe drought category, an increase from 82 percent in mid-March (Figure 5). The largest changes have occurred across northwest New Mexico, where abnormally dry conditions and moderate drought have replaced drought-free conditions. Southeastern New Mexico continues to experience the worst conditions, with extreme and exceptional drought  persisting for more than a year.