September Climate Summary
Drought – Drought conditions in both Arizona and New Mexico improved, largely
the result of continued summer monsoon rains.
Temperature – Temperatures in the past month have been much cooler than average
across eastern and southern New Mexico, while most of Arizona has been
slightly warmer than average.
Precipitation – Southern areas in Arizona and New Mexico continue to have a wet
monsoon season, with rainfall totals measuring as much as 300 percent above average.
Northern areas remain relatively dry.
Monsoon – Many areas in southern Arizona and New Mexico received aboveaverage
precipitation in the last month. Phoenix has enjoyed almost twice the average
amount of rainfall since the onset of the monsoon.
ENSO – ENSO-neutral conditions dominate the equatorial Pacific Ocean again
this month, but ocean warming has not disrupted the atmospheric circulation patters
from the recent La Niña.
Climate Forecasts – The long-lead forecasts for late 2008 through early 2009 calls
for slightly increased chances of below-average precipitation and a slightly increased
chance of above-average temperatures for many parts of Arizona and New Mexico.
The Bottom Line – The monsoon season is waning but the impact of a wetterthan-
normal summer has improved drought conditions for many areas in Arizona
and New Mexico. Currently, soil moisture conditions in most of New Mexico and
southern Arizona are adequate for crop needs. Rain is still needed in sections of
northern Arizona to alleviate drought conditions.
Southwest Climate Outlook September 2008
Published by the Climate Assessment for the Southwest (CLIMAS), with support from University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, the Arizona State Climate Office, and the New Mexico State Climate office.
Disclaimer. This packet contains official and non-official forecasts, as well as other information. While we make every effort to verify this information, please understand that we do not warrant the accuracy of any of these materials. The user assumes the entire risk related to the use of this data. CLIMAS, UA Cooperative Extension, and the State Climate Office at Arizona State University (ASU) disclaim any and all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including (without limitation) any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will CLIMAS, UA Cooperative Extension, and the State Climate Office at ASU or The University of Arizona be liable to you or to any third party for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special or exemplary damages or lost profit resulting from any use or misuse of this data.