Drought in New Mexico, June 1 to 25, 1996

Despite several days with severe thunderstorms in the east, hot temperatures and the worst drought in nearly 30 years gripped the state during much of June. An increase in clouds teased the state with a hope of rain at mid-month but only produced dry lightning which brought a new round of intense and numerous forest fires. The rain was delayed until near the end of the month as tropical moisture swept northward from the Pacific to provide relief from the extreme fire danger that had forced closure of several national forest areas and brought about an unusual statewide ban on the sale and use of fireworks. Albuquerque had recorded no rain through the 25th, making the first six months of the year the driest in over 100 years of records. Then came repeating and heavy showers between the 25th and 30th which produced the 4th wettest June on record in just a few days. All but the northwest areas of the state benefited from the burst of late month showers.