Drought in Lower Chama River Valley, New Mexico

Severe drought conditions continued through February over the Lower Chama River Valley. A few weak storm systems moved through the area during mid to late February with only light rain and snow amounts.

The widespread severe drought conditions at the end of January worsened over New Mexico through early February as below normal precipitation continued across the state. The wet conditions experienced across central and eastern New Mexico from the monsoon season into late September were a distant memory by February. Several rounds of wind and very low humidity prompted red flag warnings on several days across eastern New Mexico. The weather pattern became more active for northern and western New Mexico by the middle of the month. A few winter storms impacted the higher terrain bringing modest improvements by the end of February. Statewide snowpack rebounded to a paltry 28 percent of median by the end of the month. Severe drought expanded to almost 80 percent of the state and extreme drought conditions were introduced to the northern high terrain. Weather conditions by the end of February 2018 began drying out once again with more critical fire weather. Grass fires were reported around Lincoln County prompting burn bans for the area.