Precipitation and streamflow conditions in Arizona, winter and spring, 1996

According to precipitation and streamflow data collected in the State, Arizona experienced one of the driest periods on record from January 1 to June 30, 1996. During this period, Arizona averaged less than -4.5 on the Palmer Drought Index (PDI); a widely used index that compares monthly rainfall to soil moisture for a given area. PDI values less than -4.0 indicate extreme drought conditions. PDI values for Arizona have ranged from less than -5 to greater than 7 since 1895. Governor Fife Symington declared a state of emergency for Arizona on May 3, 1996, because of the extremely dry conditions.