Climate Scenarios

Summary of Climate Scenarios for the Prairie Provinces - 2020's, 2050's, 2080's

Rising Temperatures

• Generally increasing temperatures, with the greatest increases at nighttime and during the winter and spring seasons

Increasing Precipitation yet Drier Overall

• Probably slight increases in precipitation, but not enough to keep pace with temperature increases. Increased evaporation and transpiration by plants will result in a drier summer and fall landscape.
  

More Frequent Extreme Events

• Severe storms, flooding, and extreme temperatures will become more frequent.
• Multi-year and severe drought in the greatest challenge.

Generally Less Surface Water

• Less surface water, including less water in the form of snow and ice
• Increased variability, including earlier peak flows in rivers and streams
  

Decreasing Soil Moisture

Longer Growing Season