ALBUQUERQUE, N. M. (AP) – More and more national forests impose restrictions on chimneys while New Mexico expects much-needed rain.
On Friday, Cibola National Forest implements the first phase of restrictions in the park ranger districts of Mount Taylor, Magdalena, Mountainair, and Sandia, meaning there are no campfires or fireworks and that smoking is limited to evolved recreation sites, sterile spaces, or internal cars or buildings.
The Carson and Santa Fe National Forests also impose restrictions, and Gila National Forest officials in southwestern New Mexico warn that the danger point of chimneys is from top to top for the region.
Authorities say the number of non-seasonal wildfires in New Mexico is widespread, with a below-average summer monsoon season and an uninterrupted dry drop among contributing factors.
Meteorologists at Albuquerque National Weather Service presented a positive side Thursday, saying confidence is developing for a primary replacement that can lead to cooler temperatures and widespread snow and rain from Sunday night to the end. ‘see you on Tuesday.
However, long-term outlook indicates that New Mexico’s climate is warmer and drier than the cold season due to La Niña. Meteorologists warn that the existing drought could get worse, even with the option of precipitation early next week.