Temperature

Temperatures since the water year began on October 1 reflect elevation and latitude, with northern regions cooler than southern areas and lower elevations warmer than higher elevations (Figure 1a). In northern areas, a few cold winter storms passed through the region, bringing cooler temperatures, while most of these storms missed southern portions of both states. Similar to the winter pattern, summer temperatures reflected latitude and elevation. Eastern New Mexico experienced the warmest conditions. Temperatures there were generally 1–4 degrees Fahrenheit above average, and these warm conditions were related to the lack of winter and summer storms—precipitation helps lower temperatures (Figure 1b). In Arizona, average temperatures during the water year were generally within 1 degree F of average, with the coldest areas in south-central Arizona.

In the past 30 days, the location of the subtropical high pressure controlled temperatures in the Southwest. The high remained over New Mexico, bringing cleat skies and warm temperatures, while Arizona enjoyed a southeasterly air flow that ferried moist air and delivered substantial cloudiness and cooler temperatures. Southern Arizona and the Mogollon Rim were about 2 degrees F cooler than average, while New Mexico was between 0 and 2 degrees F warmer than average (Figures 1c–d).