Santa Fe, New Mexico – New Mexico emergency officials are using the winter months to reinforce lightning safety awareness after 21 people across the United States were killed by lightning in 2025, the highest annual total since 2019.
According to the National Weather Service and the National Lightning Safety Council, most lightning fatalities last year occurred during outdoor activities such as hiking, ranch work, construction, and recreation near water. While New Mexico did not record a lightning-related death in 2025, officials stress that the state’s climate and terrain still create serious risk once thunderstorm season returns.
Lightning danger in New Mexico typically increases from late spring through summer, especially during monsoon-driven afternoon and evening storms. Mountain ranges, high desert terrain, open rangeland, and recreation areas can leave hikers, outdoor workers, and travelers exposed when storms develop quickly with little warning.
State and local officials say winter is the ideal time to strengthen safety habits ahead of 2026. If thunder is heard anywhere in New Mexico, residents should move indoors immediately to a substantial building or enclosed vehicle. Ridge lines, open terrain, isolated trees, metal equipment, and bodies of water significantly increase the risk of being struck.
Emergency management leaders emphasize that early decisions save lives. Lightning safety outreach is expected to ramp up statewide as warmer weather approaches, with the goal of keeping New Mexico residents prepared, informed, and safe throughout the next thunderstorm season.
