Most of state abnormally dry (New Mexico)

Much needed precipitation was received across most of the state during the week ending Sept. 23; however, rainfall totals are still well below normal, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Mountain Regional Field Office, New Mexico. Overall, conditions rated abnormally dry or worse were entrenched across 99.0 percent of the state, a slight improvement when compared with last week. Topsoil moisture levels were reported as 53 percent adequate to surplus, compared with 45 percent last week, 69 percent last year, and a 5-year average of 50 percent. Statewide, the green chile harvest was just past three-quarters complete, well behind normal at 90 percent complete. Corn harvest is also about to start in this county. Reports in both Eddy and Lea counties stated rainfall was both heavy and beneficial depending on location. Precipitation was recorded at all of the 44 reporting weather stations, with Truth or Consequence, at 2.52 inches, reporting the largest accumulation during the week. Average temperatures ranged from 3 degrees below to 9 degrees above normal. Daytime highs varied from 74 degrees at Cloudcroft to 96 degrees at Los Lunas. Overnight lows ranged from 25 degrees at Angel Fire to 57 degrees at Alcalde. Pecan nut set was reported as 31 percent light, 59 percent moderate, and 10 percent heavy.