Fire season has come prematurely for New Mexico as high-elevation snow melted earlier than usual this year, making for a dryer-than-expected April. 

In a change from past years, fire season in New Mexico has gotten off to an unseasonable start as mountain snow began melting much sooner this year creating a dryer habitat that means heightened fire danger. This has led to more wildfires breaking out throughout the state, according to KOB 4. 

"Generally speaking we have a little more snowpack in the mountains that kind of keeps things down for later in the month of April into early May," said Andrew Church, National Weather Service meteorologist, according to KOB 4. 

In addition to an advanced snowmelt season, New Mexico has also experienced strong winds and dry air moving throughout the state, which adds oxygen to potential sparks and can lead to fires igniting and spreading easier and faster. The strong winds also served to dry out wildfire fuels, such as trees, grass and different types of brush, according to KOB 4.  

New Mexico, like many parts of the western United States, is currently experiencing a drought that has been a key component in excessive dry and warm temperatures, but officials are hoping that the monsoon season will bring in water to combat the dryness.