Drought in Lower Chama River Valley, New Mexico

Pockets of near to above normal rainfall were observed over southern, western and northeast New Mexico, but a majority of the state experienced below normal precipitation. Widespread wetting rain fell over central and especially western New Mexico from the 8th through 10th associated with the remnants of a tropical cyclone with another precipitation-producing system the 12th to 13th, including a dusting of snow on the high peaks of the northern mountains. Another active and moderately wet period occurred from the 18th through 22nd followed by an overall dry period the remainder of the month. As a result, there was very little change in drought status during the month though extreme drought across the northwest corner of the state decreased slightly to less than 3 percent. Approximately 30 percent of the state was classified in severe drought or worse, primarily the northern and western halves. The southeast quarter of New Mexico to include much of Lincoln, Chaves, Eddy and Lea counties were classified as abnormally dry if not better.