Drought washed away

The drought is over.

For the first time in the 18-year history of the U.S. Drought Monitor Program, New Mexico is drought free.

This time last year, the Drought Monitor Program showed that 87 percent of the state was experiencing drought conditions at some level. At that time, Curry and Roosevelt counties were classified as experiencing “moderate drought.”

No more.

New Mexico is the only western state not experiencing dry conditions as of last week, according to DMP, which bases its ratings on data from multiple weather agencies.

Rain storms have soaked the state several times in recent weeks and August has been particularly wet.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Andrew Church said Curry County, on average, has received 7.33 inches of rain in August.

The area averages 3.4 inches of rain in August.

Roosevelt County historically receives 3.35 inches of August rain, but has seen 5.71 inches already this month.

While the moisture has slowed construction, and soaked local fairgoers, it generally means good news for farmers.

But Tyler Stuemky of Curtis and Curtis Seed & Supply said the rains have been both beneficial and slightly problematic.

“There’s a lot of farmers that have had too much water to get in and work their fields.” Stuemky said.

It’s still too early to predict the overall impact of the rain on area farms, but Stuemky said it’s “pretty exciting to see this moisture, and hopefully it continues.”

Forecasts call for a 10 to 20 percent of chance of rain today through Tuesday. High temperatures should be in the low 80s all week.