science > What might happen?
How will precipitation change?
How climate change will impact precipitation is cause for concern in all regions of the world. Precipitation impacts our food production, our drinking water availability, our economy, our recreation and our property. Changes in precipitation amounts and distribution will impact most aspects of our lives.
Future change
Projecting future precipitation patterns is much more difficult than projecting future temperature trends. Climate models are limited in their ability to provide precipitation projections.
Precipitation in Manitoba is expected to change in the future, with springs becoming wetter and summers becoming drier. Precipitation in the spring months is expected to increase by 5% to 10%, while summer precipitation is expected to decrease by 10% to 20% (Gvt of MB Climate Change Branch 2003).
