Hurricane Odile Rain in New Mexico

Just as September 2013 will be remembered for rain in New Mexico, so will September 2014.  The southern half of the state has been bombarded by a continuation of monsoonal tropical moisture, bolstered by the remnants from Hurricane Odile.

The area around Carlsbad Caverns in particular has had more than 20 inches in the last week, more than any other location in the U.S.  Most of the precipitation influx stalled south of I-40, bringing scant relief for the dry second half of the monsoon we had in August.

September 18-25 Observed Precipitation resulting from Hurricane Odile.  Source.  

Based on a weak, but developing, El Nino this autumn is forecast to continue above-average precipitation.