Hail in Harding County, New Mexico

A trained spotter reported nickel size hail in Mills from a strong thunderstorm.

Surface moisture continued to move into eastern New Mexico due to southeasterly winds. With sufficient atmospheric instability, this led to another day of afternoon thunderstorms across the east on May 16, 2021. The strongest storms were located across the northeast where a backdoor cold front in the area provided additional lift and instability to aid in convective initiation. These storms generally produced hail less than half an inch in diameter with wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph. The largest hail reported for this day was associated with a strong storm near Mills in Harding County which produced nickel size hail. Meanwhile, dry conditions continued across western New Mexico which set the stage for favorable conditions for rapid fire growth. A wildfire near Bloomfield quickly grew to 21 acres on the evening of May 16th. Unfortunately, one family's home was completely destroyed in the fire which also took the lives of their three dogs.