The New Mexico Drought Task Force has begun implementing an executive order from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declaring a state of emergency due to persistent and severe drought and escalating fire risk across New Mexico.
The Task Force met today to begin implementing the order, which directs state agencies to take immediate action to mitigate the effects of the drought and minimize fire hazards.
“Despite some spring precipitation, almost all of New Mexico remains in conditions that threaten water supplies and elevate fire danger,” Lujan Grisham said. “The State Forester has enacted fire restrictions for high-risk areas, but we can’t stop there. This executive order ensures that we act decisively to conserve water and lessen our exposure to wildfire risk.”
Based on the U.S. Drought Monitor, approximately 84.3% of New Mexico is experiencing drought conditions (categories D1–D4).
The most severe conditions (D3–D4) are concentrated in the southern and central regions of the state.
A warm, dry spring and early snowmelt have worsened drought conditions in New Mexico by reducing water supplies, while below-average precipitation has further decreased river basin inflows.
These factors have also increased wildfire risks in the region for the upcoming months.
According to the National Integrated Drought Information System’s recently released summer drought outlook for summer 2025, New Mexico is expected to experience continued drought conditions through the summer months.
The outlook highlights that parts of the Southwest, including New Mexico, are entering the summer season in “Extreme and Exceptional Drought.”
In addition to drought, the outlook also forecasts an increased risk of wildfires in New Mexico during the summer months.
The National Interagency Coordination Center has identified the Four Corners region, which includes parts of New Mexico, as having a greater risk of wildfires in June.
In July and August, the wildfire risk is expected to transition to the Southern Plains and parts of the Great Basin, which also encompasses New Mexico.
Under the governor’s directive, the New Mexico Drought Task Force—led by State Engineer Elizabeth Anderson—is responsible for coordinating drought response efforts across more than 10 state agencies. The Task Force will:
- Share information and resources to help communities respond to drought and protect essential water supplies.
- Recommend specific short-term actions (by July 31) for state and local leaders to address drought and reduce wildfire risk.
- Collecting and sharing emergency information and funding options to help individuals, Tribes, Pueblos, Nations and local governments facing drought conditions.
“New Mexico’s river basins have seen below average precipitation this year, and our reservoir levels are among the lowest on record,” Anderson said. “These conditions clearly justify emergency action. I commend the governor’s leadership in calling for a coordinated response and I look forward to focused work with the Drought Task Force in the coming weeks.”
State Forester Laura McCarthy added, “Over the past two years, we’ve seen some of the worst wildfires in our state’s history. The continuing drought keeps that threat high. This executive order is a critical call to action for all New Mexicans to conserve water and reduce fire risks wherever possible.”
Lujan Grisham also urged counties, cities and local governments to adopt water use limits, fireworks bans, and other legal fire prevention measures to support the state’s efforts.
The Drought Task Force comprises representatives from various state departments, including Agriculture, Economic Development, Energy, Environment, Finance, Homeland Security, Indian Affairs, and Tourism, as well as the Interstate Stream Commission and the New Mexico Finance Authority.
The full executive order and the current fire restrictions are available for review.
Why is the state not doing a better job about educating new residents to NM about responsible water use? Is there oversight on residential pools and jacuzzis? I see water waste all the time and I do report but nothing changes.
Its all about power and control. The Governor can’t manage anything unless she declares an emergency and then takes away our rights as citizens. Oh by the way, the folks in Mora are still waiting for their settlement checks. Since our big fires have been started by the Forest Service, lets start by closing them down. Trying to combat Mother Nature is not a good idea. Flip NM Red