National Weather ServiceNew MexicoFlood WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Flood Watches in New Mexico
The National Weather Service issued 81 flood watches for New Mexico in 2025 and 14 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 6th most of any state. 2026 through September: 45, 231% above the average of 14 for those months in 2008-2025. South Central Mountains was covered most often (149 times since 2008).
How many flood watches does New Mexico get?
Every flood watch that covered part of New Mexico. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 45 |
| 2025 | 81 |
| 2024 | 67 |
| 2023 | 39 |
| 2022 | 59 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2008 | 1 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does New Mexico get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in New Mexico?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Central Mountains | 149 | 121 | September 28, 2026 |
| East Slopes Sangre de Cristo Mountains | 140 | 104 | September 28, 2026 |
| Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains | 136 | 101 | September 28, 2026 |
| Northeast Highlands | 82 | 68 | September 28, 2026 |
| Jemez Mountains | 61 | 31 | September 28, 2026 |
| Southwest Mountains | 56 | 23 | September 28, 2026 |
| Sacramento Mountains Above 7500 Feet | 52 | 42 | September 28, 2026 |
| East Slopes Sacramento Mountains Below 7500 Feet | 50 | 40 | September 28, 2026 |
| West Slopes Sacramento Mountains Below 7500 Feet | 38 | 28 | September 28, 2026 |
| San Agustin Plains and Adjacent Lowlands | 37 | 19 | September 28, 2026 |
| Far Northeast Highlands | 36 | 24 | September 28, 2026 |
| Eastern Lincoln County | 34 | 25 | September 28, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a flood watch?
A flood watch means conditions may lead to flooding in the coming day or days; it is not yet happening. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. The national record · Every warning type in New Mexico.