Despite Storms, Nevada Officials Warn Of Continued Drought

 (AP) - Nevada climate officials say that recent wet weather isn't significantly changing drought conditions throughout the state.

Nevada state climatologist Doug Boyle said Thursday that most of Nevada is still facing severe drought. His remarks came at the first meeting of the Nevada Drought Forum, which was created by Gov. Brian Sandoval in April to implement a statewide water review and to recommend potential policy changes.

Boyle said recent storms will raise precipitation averages in parts of eastern Nevada including Elko and Humboldt counties, but recent rainfall will do little more than delay summer weather conditions for the rest of the state.

About half of Nevada is experiencing extreme drought, and Boyle said that extreme weather conditions are accelerated by higher-than-normal temperatures and a severe lack of snow.