Water Year 2009 Precipitation
Water year 2009 statewide precipitation (October 2008 – May 2009)
is below normal at 78 percent of average. The Northern Mountains Climate
Division averaged 98 percent of normal precipitation while Southern Desert
Climate Division precipitation averaged only 51 percent of normal. The
Southeastern Plains Climate Division reported 53 percent of normal precipitation
through May, while the Central Valley and Central Highlands Climate Divisions
received 70 percent of normal precipitation.
Calendar Year 2009 Precipitation
Calendar year 2009 statewide precipitation improved from 53 percent of
normal at the end of April to 62 percent of normal at the end of May.
The Southern Desert Climate Division showed the greatest improvement
after a much wetter than normal May, going from 25 percent of normal
at the end of April to 62 percent of normal at the end of May.
However, precipitation in all New Mexico climate divisions remains well
below normal for the calendar year as of the end of May.
Only the Northern Mountains and Northwest Plateau Climate Divisions
received more than 70 percent of average precipitation through May, while
the Southwestern Mountains Climate Division reported 68 percent of average
precipitation during the first five months of 2009.
May 2009 was the fifth consecutive drier-than-normal month for much
of southeast New Mexico where only 39 percent of normal precipitation
has fallen in the Southeastern Plains Climate Division through May. Some
sites with significant five month precipitation deficits to start 2009
(January through May) included:
Location 5-Month Total Precipitation Deficit
Roswell 0.85 inches 2.38 inches
Carlsbad 0.70 2.30
Tatum 1.70 2.39
Portales 1.98 2.30
Clovis 13N 1.69 2.50
Fort Sumner 1.88 1.84
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