Changing weather patterns

The Edmonton tornado in 1987 touched down 6 times, killing 27 people and causing more than $250 million in property damage (Robert den Hartigh)

As the Earth warms, it is possible that weather patterns could shift. Extreme events such as severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hailstorms, and heat waves may become more prevalent on the Prairies. Warmer winters may increase the potential for more intense winter storms, and increase the likelihood of rainstorms. In summer, we may see intense precipitation events resulting in localized flooding. The pattern of other weather-related conditions, such as droughts, may also change.

Did you know?
The hottest temperature ever recorded in Canada was 45°C on 5 July 1937 at Midale and Yellow Grass in southeastern Saskatchewan. Global warming increases the possibility that extreme temperatures like this may occur more frequently.

Did you know?
Historically, the most expensive disasters have been droughts.

The cost of weather-related disasters

Weather-related disasters include droughts, blizzards, floods, heat waves, hailstorms, snow storms, thunderstorms, forest fires, and tornadoes. Recently, the Prairies have experienced more expensive disasters including the Edmonton tornado of 1987, the Calgary hailstorm of 1991, the Winnipeg flood of 1993, the Red River flood of 1997, flooding and excess moisture in southeastern Saskatchewan and southwestern Manitoba in 1999, and the Pine Lake tornado of 2000. The costs of these disasters indicates that we have become more vulnerable to extreme events. While difficult to predict, the frequency and severity of these extreme events could also increase as a result of climate change.

Cost of weather-related disasters in the Prairie Provinces (Source: Emergency Preparedness Canada)

Hailstorm damage, Pilot Butte, Saskatchewan, Aug 26, 1995 (Dept. of Georgaphy, University of Regina)

References

Smit, B., Burton, I., Klein, R.J.T., and Wandel, J., in press: An anatomy of adaptation to climate change and variability; Climate Change.