USWaterLevels

🌵 New Mexico Drought Monitor

Current drought conditions and weekly trends for New Mexico. Data sourced from NOAA / US Drought Monitor.

Live Data • Last updated: May 19, 2026
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D2 Dominant

New Mexico is in Severe Drought

Dominant drought category as of May 19, 2026

Drought Category Breakdown

Percentage of New Mexico's land area in each drought category.

100%
94%
80%
27%
No Drought
0.0%
D0 — Abnormally Dry
100.0%
D1 — Moderate Drought
94.4%
D2 — Severe Drought
80.2%
D3 — Extreme Drought
27.2%
D4 — Exceptional Drought
0.0%

📋 Drought Impact Assessment

Severe drought conditions persist in New Mexico, with 80.24% of the state classified under Severe Drought (D2). Additionally, 94.42% of the state is experiencing Moderate Drought (D1), while 27.2% is in Extreme Drought (D3). The entire state is facing some level of drought, with 100% categorized as Abnormally Dry (D0) or worse.

Water users are feeling the impact of these drought levels, particularly in agricultural sectors reliant on irrigation from the Rio Grande. Reservoir storage has significantly decreased, prompting mandatory water use restrictions in several areas. Farmers are facing increased stress on crops due to limited water availability, while municipalities are concerned about their water supply for residents and businesses. The Rio Grande Compact further complicates management efforts as states negotiate water allocations during this period of scarcity.