Climate Change

Long-Term Trends in Precipitation

Click on graphs for larger versions.
Note: Regional changes in precipitation, shown as percentage change since 1950 (changes shown are not precise for specific locations).

Seasonal precipitation patterns in B.C. have shifted significantly over the past 50 years.

Data collected at B.C. climate stations since 1950 show these trends:

• Total annual precipitation has increased in several regions, with the Okanagan and North Coast regions showing the largest increases.

• Eastern British Columbia has been receiving less precipitation annually.

• Winter has become drier throughout B.C., except on the North Coast.

• Spring and summer have become wetter, except in the Rocky Mountains.

For detailed information, including graph data, see In-Depth report [pdf].

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