February 1, 2008--Climatologist gives grim forecast for western Nebraska (Denver Post)
Dry conditions could get worse in western Nebraska, where a global weather pattern let crops wither and keep water levels at Lake McConaughy near record-low levels this summer. State climatologist Al Dutcher delivered the grim prediction Thursday at a water conference in Holdrege, saying there could be massive problems with crops if the forecast were to come true. "I'm really concerned about the western part of the state," Dutcher said. A major culprit is the La Nina climate cycle caused by subnormal water surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Just a few months ago, climatologists expected La Nina would fizzle out early this year.
To view the full article, visit the Denver Post. For a copy of the original article contact the WIP at (970) 247-1302 or stop by the office at 841 East Second Avenue in Durango.