Fire Weather Conditions in the Northwest U.S.; Heavy Rain in the West and South-central U.S.

Extreme heat is waning over the Pacific Northwest. Dry, gusty winds, and isolated dry thunderstorms will bring critical fire weather to the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West. Heavy rain and thunderstorms continue across portions of the Great Basin, Rockies, and central/southern Plains into the Ozarks. An atmospheric river will bring heavy rain and strong winds to southwest Alaska. Read More >

Central Highlands

December-January-February Precipitation

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Across New Mexico's central highlands, the effects of La Niña events on winter show considerable variability, with terrain effects likely contributing to the variations from site to site. In Estancia, DJF precipitation averages 76% of normal. To the south, where the effects of La Niña are generally greater, Ruidoso DJF precipitation averages 81% of normal and Elk 2E averages 84% of normal. The proximity of these sites to the Sacramento Mountains can likely explain the higher values. For strong La Niña events, winter precipitation was lowest at Estancia, with 64% of average precipitation.

A description of the graphs is located at the bottom of the page.

winter precip for estancia during la nina events

Percent of Longterm Average for all La Niña Events = 76% , for strong La Niña Events = 64%

winter precip for ruidoso during la nina events

Percent of Longterm Average for all La Niña Events = 81% , for strong La Niña Events = 82%

winter precip for elk during la nina events

Percent of Longterm Average for all La Niña Events = 84% , for strong La Niña Events = 78%

Precipitation values for 3-month periods during 19 La Niña Events since 1949-50 are plotted with respect to the long term precipitation average, listed to the right of the graph. The precipitation totals for each 3-month period are plotted above or below each bar. Years for which the La Niña Event was considered to be strong are colored in purple. "M" represents a 3-month period with missing data. Finally, the percents of longterm normal for all La Niña events and for the strong La Niña events are listed below each graph.

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Fire Weather Conditions in the Northwest U.S.; Heavy Rain in the West and South-central U.S.

NWS ABQ La Nina Winter Precipitation CD6