As winter nears, questions arise about Nevada's potential for another wet season, with terms like "El Niño" and "La Niña" coming into focus. To clarify these phenomena and their effects on Nevada's weather, Kerri Jean Ormerod and Stephanie McAfee from the University of Nevada, Reno have released a fact sheet titled "Nevada's Weather and Climate."
McAfee highlights the importance of understanding weather patterns: "So many of the decisions that we make throughout the year relate to weather and climate," she said. "'Will there be enough water to increase my cattle herd,' 'do I really need to xeriscape,' 'should I buy a ski pass?' We hope this publication will raise awareness and literacy about Nevada's weather so that people will be more informed when making these decisions."
The publication is based on scientific research to ensure clarity and relevance for Nevadans. It explores how geographical features influence local climate, including wind, temperature, and rainfall variations. Additionally, it examines how frequent weather events like floods or snowstorms can offer insights into broader climatic trends.
Ormerod emphasizes the varied nature of Nevada's weather: "Weather is varied across the state," she said. "It's also hazardous. We wanted to help people know about what resources were available to help them prepare for and respond to weather-related events."
The fact sheet also serves as a guide for public involvement in tracking state weather conditions. For further details on preparing for climatic events such as droughts or fires, residents are encouraged to visit Cooperative Extension’s website.