Drought in Chuska Mountains, New Mexico

Extreme drought conditions from December 2020 continued in January 2021.

Drought conditions across northern and central New Mexico remained largely unchanged during the month of January 2021. An active storm track during the second half of the month saw several storm systems bring beneficial rain and snow to much of western and northern New Mexico. While the Tusas Mountains saw some drought improvement, the active pattern wasn't enough to result in significant changes. Extreme to exceptional drought remained the same at about 82 percent of the state with about 54 percent deemed exceptional drought. Southwestern New Mexico benefited the most from the active pattern with portions of the Gila receiving about 3 to 6 inches of precipitation. Northern New Mexico received about 1 to 2 inches of precipitation while portions of the lower Rio Grande Valley received around half an inch to three quarters of an inch. Eastern New Mexico fared poorly during the month with most of the plains receiving less than half an inch of precipitation.