New Mexico Drought Status

Some much-needed rain fell across parts of eastern New Mexico during the past 30 days, helping improve drought conditions in some areas. Overall, however, drought is firmly entrenched across the entire state (Figures 5a–b). About 96 percent of New Mexico is classified with moderate drought or a more severe drought category, according to the May 15 update of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The largest changes in drought conditions occurred in the southeastern quarter of the state, where thunderstorm activity in the past several weeks dropped between 1 and 2 inches of rain in some areas. This helped improve conditions by one or two categories, from exceptional drought to severe or extreme levels. On the other hand, below-average precipitation worsened drought conditions in the opposite corner of the state, which is now classified with moderate and severe drought.  

In drought-related news, New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez issued an official drought declaration this past week for the first time since the 2009 summer. The New Mexico Drought Task Force is reviewing the state drought plan, looking for ways to mitigate current drought impacts and to further prepare for the possibility of continuing or worsening conditions (Associated Press, May 17).