Drought in Southwest Chaves County, New Mexico

Extreme drought remained across the zone.

Several storm systems crossing the state during the first half of the month followed by a surge of Gulf of Mexico moisture from the east during the latter half of the month, resulted in above to well above average precipitation and resultant 1 to 2 category improvements in drought across most of northern and central New Mexico. Severe to extreme drought generally persisted across southeast New Mexico. Severe drought was introduced to the south central mountains around Ruidoso due to the formation and rapid growth of the South Fork and Salt Fires in the middle of the month. Several instances of flash flooding were also reported throughout the state in the last 10 days of June, including Ruidoso, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, Grants, and the Farmington area.