Wildfire season is off to an unusually early start in the southwest. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says that we can blame the multi-year drought.
According to Rippey, “We oftentimes don’t get into significant southwestern wildfire activity until the pre-monsoon periods in late May and June... We’ve seen several very large and dangerous wildfires burning already in Arizona and New Mexico, in particular.”
Two wildfires have merged in New Mexico and is now in the top ten all-time for wildfire size in the state. Rippey says that the fire could remain a threat for several more weeks with more dry weather and ample fuel.
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Ongoing windy and dry conditions are sparking wildfires across the U.S.