Water is the planet’s most precious resource, especially here in the desert. Last month we finally had a day of rain that put an end to a string of 116 days without measurable rain at the official weather gauge in Las Vegas. The previous rainfall was a trace…..enough to wet the pavement, but not enough for the insects or birds to get a drink. Go back another five days to when there were numbers on the rain gauge. That’s 121 days. One third of a year. At a time of year that is supposed to be the wettest. Similar stats have taken place throughout the southwest.
As each month draws to a close, it seems the news people tell us how it was the hottest (January, February, March, etc.) on record, or at least a top five. In 2017, the temperature never dropped below freezing, which has never happened here before. The doubters of global warming will tell you it’s because we are adding more concrete, thus raising temperatures where the official readings are taken. I assure you, no one is building near our airport. Even more remote places are showing elevated average readings.
The photo above is from a previous winter, and is from a lesser-known part of Red Rock Canyon, west of Las Vegas. It’s probably a good thing that there is not a marked trail to get here. This is my contribution to Leanne Cole’s Monochrome Madness this week. To see what other photographers have contributed, or instructions to join in, please visit Leanne’s website.
February 22, 2018 at 2:04 pm
With the evidence globally all around us, it is beyond comprehension how politicians can deny climate change. However, if they admitted it, then they would have to do something about it (and lose all that corporate support).
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February 22, 2018 at 2:27 pm
Yes, I imagine it would be difficult for them to say “Thanks for filling my pockets, but your product is destroying the planet (and us), and we need to change that.”
I’m afraid it will be up to the people to take actions ourselves, and make the politicians take notice. Or better yet, elect different people into office. 🤔
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February 22, 2018 at 2:59 pm
I think term limits and shorter election cycles would go a long way to help, IMO. 😉
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February 22, 2018 at 3:21 pm
And the ability to fire the politicians when they don’t perform…..like in the real world! 👎
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February 22, 2018 at 4:55 pm
Amen!
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February 22, 2018 at 7:46 pm
Climate change due to man is undeniable!
We’ve had unending rain here. We live on the Iroquois River and it is now coming to a record (flooding) high. Very precarious situation!
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February 23, 2018 at 10:29 am
I’ve met some people who still believe that Earth goes through naturally occurring warming and cooling cycles, and that we have nothing to do with it!
The Midwest has been on the news lately, so I’ve seen some of what you’re going through. I hope you and your neighbors stay safe, Tom!
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February 23, 2018 at 5:59 am
Love the photo.
In 2017 our weather was wonky on both ends. We had record setting days of rain in the winter and spring followed by record days of no rain in the summer. It was our fifth or sixth summer in a row of above average temperatures.
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February 23, 2018 at 10:34 am
Sadly, I believe this is going to be the trend – weather patterns remaining stagnant. Where the rain is falling, it will be too much, and the dry will become drought.
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February 23, 2018 at 10:59 am
Magnificent capture!
Weather pattern is changing, very noticeable…
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February 23, 2018 at 11:44 am
Thank you, Amy!
Yes, everyone seems to be having crazy weather, not just here.
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