Record-Breaking Warmth in New Mexico: Climate Trends and Impacts
In October, New Mexico recorded an average temperature of 60.8 degrees Fahrenheit, the highest for the month since records began in 1895, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The agency predicts that above-average temperatures will persist into winter across the East Coast, Gulf of Mexico, and Southwest.
Alongside warmer temperatures, NOAA forecasts below-average precipitation for the region, which may exacerbate drought conditions, particularly in southern New Mexico. The emergence of La Niña, influenced by Pacific jet streams, is one of the key factors shaping the current winter climate. David Gutzler, an earth and planetary sciences professor at the University of New Mexico, explains that La Niña typically results in drier, warmer winters for the Southwest, as colder and wetter winds are redirected northward.
Local farmers like Miguel Santistevan have already felt the repercussions of climate change. "My river goes dry in July, sometimes June, and so that affects my irrigation," he noted, emphasizing the need for adaptation in agricultural practices to cope with the ongoing climate shifts. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that New Mexico hosts about 20,900 farms across more than 60,000 square miles.
Gutzler points out that while the current climate trends are concerning, they may not disrupt the Southwest’s natural cycle of drought and water sprees. He urges caution regarding predictions and emphasizes the importance of focusing on long-term adaptation strategies, such as enhancing water conservation.
Santistevan, who conducts webinars on sustainable agricultural practices, advocates for methods aimed at replenishing groundwater supplies. “Our groundwater supplies are depleting,” he said, underscoring the urgency of sustainable practices to support local farming resilience amidst changing climate conditions.
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