Inland states like Nevada are drier because they lack proximity to the ocean, which is a primary moisture source.

The dryness of inland states like Nevada is mainly due to their distance from the ocean, which acts as a primary moisture source. Coastal states receive moist air from the ocean, leading to higher precipitation. As this air travels inland, it gradually loses moisture through precipitation, leaving less available for areas farther from the coast. Additionally, mountain ranges often block the remaining moisture, intensifying the dry conditions in inland regions. This lack of proximity to oceanic moisture results in Nevada’s arid climate, with significantly lower rainfall compared to coastal states, which benefit from ocean-fed weather patterns and higher humidity.