July 4th, 2014 Precipitation and temperatures in New Mexico.

The 4^th of July is just around the corner and with that, all the cookouts and parties. Below you will find last year's temperature and precipitation data, as well as normals and extremes for several locations in New Mexico.  As I’m sure you have noticed, we don't get lots precipitation in New Mexico on the 4^th, however we do get some. Last year we got very little rain or none at all on the 4^th of July, and in many cities, 2014 has been the year with the lowest precipitation in record for the 4^th of July.  Having no precipitation is usually something we are not very happy about, but considering all the festivities that come with that specific date it is good news. Hopefully we will not be getting any rain this year so we can celebrate the 4^th of July with our typical barbeques. In temperature July 4^th, 2014 did not differ much from normal. It is usually a hot sunny day but we should be used to it in New Mexico.

The data is collected from NWS Coop weather stations and since these stations are usually manually read in the mornings, I used July 5^th data to get the maximum temperature and total precipitation data.  To get the minimum temperature data, I used July 4^th.  Data is retrieved from http://scacis.rcc-acis.org/.

Have a Happy 4^th of July.

Las Cruces Firework safety and instructions 

June is coming to an end, here comes July, people are getting ready for some of the best fun of the summer season. The month starts off with a bang July 4th, we celebrate the great country we live in with fireworks, barbeque, family and friends. Living in New Mexico means that we have to be especially careful not to start any fires while celebrating Independence Day, many areas of the state are very dry. There are certain rules and regulations on lighting fireworks in New Mexico and they differ depending on where you live in the state. Before lighting any fireworks check with the county you live in to see what is and is not allowed. Firework stands have to abide by the local laws so buy local and shoot the fireworks off in the same county you bought them in. I’ve gone ahead and looked into what is being allowed in the Las Cruces city limits as well as Dona Ana county. The fireworks that can be bought and sold are ground and hand held sparkling and smoking devices only. Examples of some of these fireworks are cone fountains, crackling devices, cylindrical fountains, flitter sparklers, illuminator torches, smoke devices, and wheels (Ramirez S.). Things that are not allowed are aerial fireworks (the ones that shoot into the sky); aerial spinners, roman candles, helicopters, chargers, and firecrackers (Ramirez S.). This year firework stands will be inspected more to ensure that local laws are enforced (Ramirez S.) and firework sales end July 6^th. When lighting your own fireworks, try to only light them on paved areas or barren land, make sure to have water available in case a fire does occur, and by no means should children (under 16) be left unsupervised with fireworks around (Ramirez S.). Make sure to light fireworks one at a time, and never light off fireworks if you are inebriated (toasted, drunk, borracho, loaded or otherwise impaired)(Ramirez S.)

If you don’t want to buy and light off your own fireworks for the 4th there are some great events you can attend locally to celebrate. Concerts and fireworks will be held in Las Cruces at the public schools sports complex also known as the field of dreams (Las Cruces events). There is parking available at Mayfield high school, Picacho middle school, and at the stadium (Las Cruces events). Do not bring your RV’s, trailers, personal fireworks, grills, or pets as none are allowed. This is a free event and all are encouraged to attend the activities going on throughout the day. Youth activities start at noon and when day turns to night the evening is completed by a firework display at 10 (Las Cruces events). Make sure to be safe and have fun on this 4^th of July!      

           

 References

Ramirez, S. (n.d.). Fireworks sales for Fourth of July holiday begin Saturday. Retrieved June 23, 2015.

http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-news/ci_28347398/fireworks-sales-fourth-july-holiday-begin-saturday

Las cruces events calendar. (n.d.). Retrieved June 23, 2015.

http://www.lascrucescvb.org/events/