and Nebraska with a 50% reduction in the annual average total. Meanwhile, the western High Plains averages 12-16 inches per year. There are distinct wet and dry seasons with precipitation peaking in spring and summer and reaching a minimum in winter.
Figure 3 - Average annual precipitation (inches) for the period 1981 – 2010. Source: http://www.prism.oregonstate.edu/normals/
Annual average temperatures have a general latitudinal gradient of colder in the north (around 38°F along northern North Dakota and Minnesota) and warmer in the south (mid 50s). Typically, January is the coldest month of the year and July is the warmest month. The growing season (time of year when temperatures continuously stay above freezing) is longer in the south (mid-April to mid-October) and shorter in the north (mid-May to mid-September).
13
Powered by FlippingBook