DROUGHT INDICATORS - DECEMBER 1999
Autumn precipitation was below normal for over 90 percent of New Mexico. The few locations which did experience above normal precipitation did so because of two weather events which took place in September and October. Since September, the entire state has gotten progressively drier. Much of New Mexico has experienced warm temperatures which will rank in the top 5 "Warmest Novembers" of the century. The Climate Prediction Center continues to forecast the likelihood of a below normal precipitation and an above temperature, winter for the state. The most likely part of the state for this to occur, is in the southwest part of New Mexico, with the north eastern part of New Mexico having a lesser chance of this occurring.
Palmer Index related to drought status:
| Climate Division | Sept | Oct | Nov | Status |
| 1 | +2.8 | -2.0 | -0.4 | Normal |
| 2 | +2.4 | +2.2 | +1.7 | Normal |
| 3 | +1.8 | +1.3 | +0.9 | Normal |
| 4 | +2.3 | +0.1 | -0.2 | Normal |
| 5 | +3.1 | +1.8 | +1.4 | Normal |
| 6 | -0.1 | -0.8 | -0.9 | Advisory |
| 7 | -1.6 | -2.1 | -2.0 | Warningl |
| 8 | +1.3 | +0.4 | +0.8 | Normal |
Comments
The Natural Resources Conservation Service has begun reporting data from its SNOTEL sites. Snow water equivalents in all New Mexico basins are well below average. All basins with the exception of Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range Basin, the Pecos River Basin, the Cimarron River Basin, and the Zuni/Bluewater River Basin, are less than 25 percent of average. The Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range Basin is closest to average, at only 60 percent of normal.
Reservoir levels remain high throughout the state. The Elephant Butte Irrigation District is reporting if levels remain as they are, farmers from their district will receive their full allotment of water this coming season.