Drought in South Central Mountains, New Mexico

Localized severe drought conditions persisted across the far southeast portion of the zone, mainly southeast of U.S Highway 70.

It was a very dry and mild December across New Mexico. Some light snow fell across northeast New Mexico late December 9th into early December 10th and across the northern mountains Christmas Day and December 27th. No change in drought conditions were observed during the month. December ended up being the 2nd warmest December on record for Albuquerque and Roswell and the 5th warmest on record for Clayton. For the entire year, 2024 ended up being the warmest years on record for Albuquerque and Roswell and the 4th warmest for Clayton.