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- ~ • III IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII <br />sN <br />E X I B I T R <br />CLIMATE <br />The semiarid climate of Otero County is typical of the high plains, <br />modified by the effects of the mountains to Che west. Meager and variable <br />precipitation from year to year, abundant sunshine, low humidity, wide <br />temperature ranges, and considerable wind movement are characteristic. <br />The weather of the area is inFluenced by air movement from four main <br />sources. The most common source is dry and usually relatively warm air <br />icom [he southwest. During winter, invasions of cold air from the north <br />bring occasional blizzards and sharp drops in temperature for periods ex- <br />tending 3 to 5 days. Except for such cold spells, winter weather is generally <br />open and relatively mild. After crossing the Rocky Mountains, Pacific <br />maritime air from the west brings little moisture to the area. It is fre- <br />quently associated with storms to [he north and with high winds late in <br />winter and in spring. Air from the Gulf of Mexico in spring, summer and <br />fall brings warm temperatures and higher humidity. It is the principle <br />source of moisture for the thundershower activity, which is responsible for <br />percipitation during the growing season. <br />r <br />