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Experts say New Mexico in for hotter, drier weather in 50 years
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THERESA DAVIS ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL
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This July 10, 2021, image shows low water levels at Elephant Butte Reservoir near Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Top climate and water experts in the state warned a panel of New Mexico lawmakers during a meeting Tuesday, July 13, 2021, that water supplies are expected to shrink even more as temperatures rise. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Scientists say New Mexico temperatures will likely continue to climb over the next 50 years a change with major consequences for regional water supplies and landscapes.
Experts: New Mexico in for hotter, drier weather in 50 years
THERESA DAVIS, Albuquerque Journal
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1of5This June 20, 2021, image shows the Rio Grande flowing just north of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Top climate and water experts in the state warned a panel of New Mexico lawmakers during a meeting Tuesday, July 13, 2021, that water supplies are expected to shrink even more as temperatures rise.Susan Montoya Bryan/APShow MoreShow Less
2of5This July 10, 2021, image shows low water levels at Elephant Butte Reservoir near Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Top climate and water experts in the state warned a panel of New Mexico lawmakers during a meeting Tuesday, July 13, 2021, that water supplies are expected to shrink even more as temperatures rise.Susan Montoya Bryan/APShow MoreShow Less
Experts: New Mexico in for hotter, drier weather in 50 years sfgate.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from sfgate.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
A warmer climate could impact nearly every aspect of New Mexico’s water and land.
Dunbar listed likely impacts, including:
• Decreased aquifer recharge, more common and hotter drought periods, earlier winter runoff, greater groundwater demands and stress on plant life.
• Dry vegetation and catastrophic wildfires that could affect runoff and floodplain ecosystems.
• Warmer streams and rivers that could mean changing oxygen levels, which can disturb fish habitat.
“Likely the dominant impact on water quality going forward is going to be related to temperature increase,” Dunbar said.
State law requires that the Office of the State Engineer update a water plan every five years.