WEATHER NOTE: HEAVY RAINS IN SOUTHEASTERN NEW MEXICO AND SOUTHWESTERN TEXAS, AUGUST 21–23, 1966

Abstract

Record-breaking rains occurred in southeastern New Mexico and southwestern Texas August 21?23, 1966, causing extensive flooding and property damage. The synoptic situation associated with this storm is analyzed and some of the possible factors contributing to the heavy precipitation are discussed. Time sections of the stratospheric circulation over White Sands Missile Range are presented which indicate that a sharp break in the westward zonal flow near the stratopause occurred just prior to the onset of the heaviest rainfall. Concurrent with this was a lowering and cooling of the tropopause.