Klaire Rhodes, a graduate student at the Nevada State Climate Office, and Thomas Albright, an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography and Interim Nevada State Climatologist, have released their quarterly climate report for Nevada. Their analysis indicates that December 2023 was notably warm, ranking as the sixth warmest December on record.
Throughout the last quarter of 2023, temperatures in Nevada were generally near or slightly above recent climatic averages by 1-3°F. October and November maintained near-normal temperature levels, but December saw a significant increase with average temperatures rising uniformly across the state. In about half of Nevada, temperatures were 5-7°F warmer than usual.
The precipitation data for this period showed a dry end to a year that began wet. Precipitation was particularly sparse in southeastern counties. The lack of rainfall resulted in little to no snow during the holiday season and impacted water availability since December is typically wetter and snowier.
Despite these conditions, there is potential for improvement if storms continue into 2024. The U.S. Drought Monitor map remained largely unchanged at year’s end with persistent drought conditions in Clark and Lincoln counties.
Looking ahead to January through March 2024, NOAA’s seasonal outlook suggests moderate chances (30-50%) of temperatures and precipitation slightly above normal levels. There is anticipation for possible ‘ENSO-neutral’ conditions as El Niño influences may wane across much of the west.
The Nevada State Climate Office marks its 138th year amidst challenges such as historic droughts and rapid warming. Weather observation has been crucial for various stakeholders including farmers and scientists. To celebrate this history, a special exhibition at the State Archives in Carson City showcases original weather observations dating back to founding climatologist Charles Friend.
