On average, the relationship between La Niña and below
normal precipitation in New Mexico is strongest in
the southwest corner of the state. For the years since 1950, Lordsburg
averaged 64% of normal winter precipitation during La Niña events,
with only 2 of 21 DJF season above normal. At Luna Ranger Station, DJF
precipitation
averaged 79% of normal and in Las Cruces the average was 81%. Note that
at these three sites, the five most recent La Niña winters were
all drier than normal by at least 25%.
Years Below Normal
Years Near Normal
Years Above Normal
18
0
2
1 year missing data
Years Below Normal
Years Near Normal
Years Above Normal
16
1
3
(1 year missing data)
Years Below Normal
Years Near Normal
Years Above Normal
14
2
5
In each of these charts, bars represent the percent of normal
precipitation that was received from December through February during an
established La Niña event. The year plotted above or below the bars
represents the January/February calendar year. For example, 1951 represents
the data for the DJF period starting in December 1950. "M" indicates
that data was incomplete or missing for that DJF season. A gray bar represents
a value close to normal (+/- 10% of normal).
National Weather Service
Albuquerque Weather Forecast Office
2341 Clark Carr LP SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
Ph: 505.243.0702
Web Master's Email: ABQ Webmaster
Page Author: WFO Albuquerque, NM
Date modified:
www.srh.weather.gov 
National
Weather Service Weather Forecast Office
