Friday, June 07, 2013

Drought numbers don't lie

The Ag 50 of eastern New Mexico met Thursday at the Chamber of Commerce to hear a presentation by John Longworth from Santa Fe, who is the chief of the Water Use and Conservation Bureau under the State Engineer. Data showed that for water year 2012, which is a measure of precipitation from October 2012 through April 2013, the state of New Mexico received 45 percent of normal rainfall. Water year 2012 was the driest year on record for the state, and calendar year 2012 set an all-time record for hottest temperature in New Mexico history. “The previous 24 months have produced some of the most intense drought conditions on record,” Longworth explained. The data he shared also predicted below normal precipitation and above normal temperatures for the summer. Ag 50, an agricultural committee whose mission is to promote the expansion, growth and retention of the agricultural of eastern New Mexico, is made up of local ranchers and dairymen and works under the Clovis/Curry County Chamber...more

 Fast facts 

 • Clovis received 1.26 inches of rain from January to April 2013.
 • Clovis received 1.81 inches of rain from October to April 2013.
 • From January to April 2013, New Mexico’s statewide average of rain was 47 percent of normal rainfall.
 • Due to drought conditions, New Mexico lost almost one year of rain in the past three years.

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