New Mexico Drought Status
(data through 8/17/10)Data Source(s): New Mexico State Drought Monitoring Committee , U.S. Drought Monitor
Drought conditions have dramatically improved across northwestern New Mexico during the past 30 days, according to the August 17 update of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Currently, only 20 percent of the state is classified as abnormally dry, down from about 50 percent in mid-July (Figures 5a–b). In addition, no region is classified with drought conditions worse than abnormally dry, whereas about 17 percent of New Mexico had moderate drought conditions one month ago.
Monsoon precipitation has helped improve drought conditions in the state, particularly in northwestern and west-central New Mexico. In these regions, precipitation during the last month has been generally more than 150 percent of average, helping to overcome the sluggish start to the monsoon season.
Notes:The New Mexico section of the U.S. Drought Monitor is released weekly (every Thursday) and represents data collected through the previous Tuesday. The maps are based on expert assessment of variables including (but not limited to) the Palmer Drought Severity Index, soil moisture, streamflow, precipitation, and measures of vegetation stress, as well as reports of drought impacts. It is a joint effort of several agencies.
This summary contains substantial contributions from the New Mexico Drought Working Group.
Related Links:
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For the most current drought status map, visit:
http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/DM_state.htm?NM,W -
For the most current Drought Status Reports, visit:
http://www.nmdrought.state.nm.us/MonitoringWorkGroup/wk-monitoring.html
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