A Preliminary Examination of Regional Climate Trends in Atlantic Canada

There is large variability in the climate of Atlantic Canada, due to such factors as topography and ocean influences. Historical trends indicate that eastern portions of Canada have not experienced the same degree of warming as other parts of Canada and North America. Canadian Climate model projections suggest that eastern portions of the region will undergo relative cooling over the next century, a situation quite unique in the middle latitudes of the northern hemisphere.

A detailed examination of the regional and sub-regional climate is essential for enhanced understanding of the variability of the climate system and the differences in how the climate is changing from one part of the region to another. This understanding is important in identifying the sensitivities of various sectors to climate change.

An analysis of the past climate in Atlantic Canada is performed using the Historical Canadian Climate Database (HCCD), a quality controlled, monthly data set consisting of forty locations with periods of record dating from 1895.

The homogeneous data sets for sites in Atlantic Canada are analyzed with respect to temperature and precipitation. Decadal, annual, seasonal and monthly variations are examined in detail for each of the sites. The main area of emphasis is the intercomparison of data between different areas and different sites.