Overview
New Mexico drought conditions are evaluated monthly through the Drought Monitoring Workgroup (DMWG), a collaboration of state and federal agencies chaired by the State Climatologist. The Workgroup serves as a technical forum for integrating climate, hydrologic, and water supply data to assess drought conditions across the state.
Its analyses directly support the development of the U.S. Drought Monitor, the national standard used to track and communicate drought severity.
What the Workgroup Reviews
Climate Conditions
Precipitation trends, temperature patterns, and seasonal climate
outlooks.
Hydrologic Conditions
Streamflow, reservoir storage, snowpack, and groundwater
indicators.
Land & Water Conditions
Soil moisture, vegetation conditions, and broader ecosystem
stress.
Water Supply Trends
Local and statewide water availability and demand conditions.
Field Observations
Reports from agencies and partners describing on-the-ground
conditions.
Monthly Coordination Flow
- Collect current climate and water supply data
- Review statewide and regional conditions
- Discuss indicators and local observations
- Discuss emerging drought trends
- Support drought status interpretation
How the Drought Monitoring Process Works
This process integrates climate, hydrologic, and water supply information from multiple agencies to support drought assessment and development of the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Participating Partners
