The local weather of southwestern Oklahoma, the place the refuge resides, is characterised by distinct differences due to the season. Summers are sometimes sizzling and dry, with temperatures usually exceeding 100F. Winters are typically gentle, with occasional durations of freezing temperatures and snowfall. Rainfall is comparatively reasonable, averaging round 30 inches yearly, however may be extremely variable, resulting in durations of drought. This dynamic climate sample considerably influences the wildlife throughout the protected space.
Understanding the native local weather is essential for each guests and conservation efforts. The timing of rainfall dictates the supply of water assets and the expansion cycles of vegetation, instantly impacting the wildlife populations that rely on them. Historic climate information informs administration methods for sustaining the refuge’s delicate ecosystem, notably in periods of maximum climate occasions like wildfires, that are a pure a part of this panorama. The knowledge additionally aids guests in planning their journeys and making ready for potential weather-related challenges.
