February Climate Summary
Drought – Drought conditions persist in Arizona due to below-average precipitation
so far this winter while most of New Mexico remains drought-free.
Temperature – Over the past month, temperatures in the Southwest have been 3–6
degrees F cooler than average.
Precipitation – Precipitation has been below average in western Arizona but above
average in most of New Mexico during the past month.
Climate Forecasts – Temperatures are expected to be warmer than average for most
of the Southwest through August, while precipitation forecasts call for equal chances
of below-average, average, or above-average precipitation.
El Niño – The current El Niño event is declining and a return to ENSO-neutral
conditions is expected later this spring.
The Bottom Line – With the rapid decline of El Niño conditions in the tropical
Pacific, forecasters are no longer predicting increased chances of above-average precipitation
in the Southwest.
Southwest Climate Outlook February 2007
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.