So you're in the Alik'r Desert, how is that any different from Skyrim? Well if you look down you'll see sand textures instead of snow textures. While visuals are nice and I'm sure the zones will have their own feel, I think it would be nice to see a bit more than that.

I'd really like to be able to feel that I'm in a desert or tundra without looking around that much. They could add the risk of heatstroke/hypothermia depending on where you are, and while I would love that, I'm pretty it wouldn't be well received by the majority.

So alternatively, sounds and visuals might help create some atmosphere. Visually, there might be a blizzard going on that makes it hard to see more than several meters in front of you, or heatwaves that blur the distant horizon.

Audibly, while seeing the snow blow around is good, the http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQAiB9Vlbh0makes all the difference.

I'm practically out of ideas already, so I'd like to hear how you guys think they can create a feeling of atmosphere. (whether it be for a desert, dungeon, forest, etc.)

(Side note, I know they have confirmed weather, but I don't how impactful they will be.)

Sounds do make a huge impact.

While in swamps of Morrowind I fully expect to hear the insects, when climbing the icy mountains of Skyrim I fully expect to hear strong wind in my ears and when camping in the thick forests of Valenwood I fully expect to hear the wild wolves howling the night.