Hot, dry conditions return
Following the beneficial moisture last week, hot, dry, windy weather conditions returned to further plague drought-ridden New Mexico for the week ending June 3, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Mountain Regional Field Office, New Mexico. The United States Drought Monitor released on May 31 showed some slight improvement following the uptick in rainfall last week. The portion of the state categorized by exceptional drought (D4) dropped to 18.3 percent, with the 2.0 percent reduction seen in the north-central area of the State. Severe to extreme drought (D2-D3) was now reportedly covering 71.1 percent of the State. Overall, conditions rated abnormally dry or worse blanketed 99.8 percent of New Mexico. Topsoil moisture levels were reported as 29 percent adequate to surplus, compared with 24 percent last week, 46 percent last year, and a 5-year average of 35 percent. Pasture and range condition was reported as 5 percent good to excellent, compared with 6 percent last week, 31 percent last year, and a 5-year average of 25 percent. Spring fieldwork was in full swing, with row crops being planted and alfalfa hay, cabbage, and onions being harvested. Reports from Dona Ana County noted that approximately 25 percent of the cabbage crop was harvested. Comments from Lea County suggested that some irrigated cotton stands had failed due to of a lack of water and high, hot winds. Precipitation was recorded at 14 out of 45 reporting weather stations, with Roswell, at 0.82 inch, reporting the largest accumulation during the week. Hail damage in all crops was reported as 7 percent light, compared 7 percent light last week. Wind damage in all crops was reported as 11 percent light, 4 percent moderate, and 1 percent severe, compared with 12 percent light, 4 percent moderate, and 1 percent severe last week.