News

Cibola County’s 2026 drought story is shown in shades of yellow, orange and red as conditions intensified from moderate and severe drought early in the year to extreme drought across most of the county by summer. A weak winter snowpack, limited spring runoff, declining levels at Bluewater Lake and persistent heat left the county increasingly dependent on monsoon rainfall for relief. Diego Lopez - CC

Cibola County’s 2026 drought story is shown in shades of yellow, orange and red as conditions intensified from moderate and severe drought early in the year to extreme drought across most of the county by summer. A weak winter snowpack, limited spring runoff, declining levels at Bluewater Lake and persistent heat left the county increasingly dependent on monsoon rainfall for relief. Diego Lopez - CC

Cibola Drought Monitor – June 2026

Diego Lopez, Editor
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Halfway through the year, extreme drought covers nearly all of Cibola County CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – Halfway through 2026, Cibola County’s drought story has become one of persistence, escalation and waiting.The county has now officially spent the first six months of the year entirely in drought.
A section of the Rio San Jose near the George Hanosh Bridge shows the results of clearing work by City of Grants crews. Mayor Erik Garcia said approximately one mile of the river channel has been cleared of dirt, weeds, litter and other debris in preparation for anticipated monsoon rains. Diego Lopez - CC

A section of the Rio San Jose near the George Hanosh Bridge shows the results of clearing work by City of Grants crews. Mayor Erik Garcia said approximately one mile of the river channel has been cleared of dirt, weeds, litter and other debris in preparation for anticipated monsoon rains. Diego Lopez - CC

Grants Crews Clear Rio San Jose Ahead of Expected Monsoon Rains

Diego Lopez, Editor
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
GRANTS, N.M. – City of Grants crews have cleared approximately one mile of the Rio San Jose as part of an effort to reduce flood risks before monsoon rains arrive in the area.