It's been more than four years since New Mexico's drought picture has looked this good, and parts of the state are gearing up for more moisture-bearing storms this weekend.
The U.S. Drought Monitor released Thursday shows severe drought has disappeared from the state, leaving behind lesser levels of dryness in the western half of New Mexico.
The last time drought levels were this low was in January 2011. Just one year ago, severe and extreme drought conditions covered more than two-fifths of the state.
Forecasters with the National Weather Forecast say isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop Friday afternoon along and west of the central mountain chain.
The chance for more rain will increase Sunday thanks to a backdoor cold front entering the state.
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