Drought in New Mexico, June 1 to 30, 2002

Heat and dryness dominated throughout the month with only the northeast sections of the state receiving any soaking rain from scattered strong thunderstorms. Elsewhere dry thunderstorms, especially those about mid-month sparked numerous wildfires some of which were fanned into large complex fires by hot and gusty afternoon winds. At least ten major fires were recorded which consumed nearly 200,000 acres. Some mountain homes were lost but the main concern was for damage to watersheds and wildlife habitat. Smaller lightning caused fires numbered well over 100. Most national forests were closed to public access and use later in the month. A brief period of rain and higher humidity towards the last week of the month slowed the fires and allowed crews to make substantial headway with containment.. The second half of the month was also noted for the extensive smoke which poured into western and central sections of the state from wildfires to the west in Arizona. Lingering smoke and haze reduced visibilities to 5-10 miles compared to usually conditons of 40-60 miles. Dryness and the lowest river levels in decades forced reduced irrigation and city water restrictions.