Warm, rain-free weather has been constant in the Desert Southwest for the past several weeks.
Despite being in the midst of what is normally the wettest period of the year, there is no change in sight.
With the exception of one soaking storm that set off devastating mudslides in Southern California, hardly any rain has fallen over the region in 2018.
“The dry and warm pattern will continue this week due to a storm track focused on Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies,” said AccuWeather Long-Range Meteorologist Max Vido.
“South of these storms, unseasonably mild air will accompany the dry weather, as temperatures frequently rise 10 to 20 degrees above normal.” In Phoenix, Denver and Las Vegas, temperatures have been running 4 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit above normal since Jan. 1.
In Albuquerque, KRQE News 13 reported that the dry weather has resulted in residents using 3 percent more water than usual to maintain their landscaping.
Combined with the unseasonable heat, this drought will heighten the threat of brush and wildfires.
Residents will need to take care to avoid triggering any fires.
Residents should be careful to avoid common sources of such fires, including leaving outdoor agricultural burning or cooking unattended; improperly disposing of used cigarettes and parking hot cars over dry brush.
Ski resorts in the southern Rockies are also reporting much less snow than usual.