The development of the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus is intricately linked to climate change and human activities. However, most existing studies have primarily evaluated the coupling relationships within the WEF nexus while often overlooking its influencing factors. In this study, a multi-dimensional framework of the WEF nexus in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) was constructed by using spatial cross-sectional data. An obstacle degree model and correlation analysis were employed to explore both the internal constraints and external influencing factors of the WEF nexus. The results indicated that the development level of the WEF nexus exhibits a spatial pattern characterized by being "hot in the southeast and cold in the northwest." Regarding internal influencing factors, the "energy consumption coefficient" and "total water resources per capita" were identified as the most significant constraints on WEF development. Among external influencing factors, precipitation, temperature, and population were positively correlated with the WEF nexus, whereas precipitation showed a negative correlation with the nighttime light intensity. Notably, external factors contributed to the enhancement of the WEF nexus development. This study enriches our understanding of the complex relationships between the WEF nexus and its influencing factors, providing valuable insights for the coordinated development of human-water system in the YRB.