Changes in Daily and Extreme Temperature and Precipitation Indices for Canada over the Twentieth Century

Abstract

This study examines the trends and variations in several indices of daily and extreme temperature and precipitation in Canada for the periods 1950–2003 and 1900–2003 respectively. The indices are based on homogenized daily temperature and adjusted daily precipitation measurements which are special datasets that include adjustments for site relocation, changes in observing programs and corrections for known instrument changes or measurement program deficiencies. For 1950–2003, the analysis of the temperature indices indicates the occurrence of fewer cold nights, cold days and frost days, and conversely more warm nights, warm days and summer days across the country. The results are generally similar for 1900–2003 but they also include a decrease in the diurnal temperature range in southern Canada and a decrease in the standard deviation of the daily mean temperatures for many stations in western Canada. The analysis of the precipitation indices for 1950–2003 reveals more days with precipitation, a decrease in daily intensity and a decrease in the maximum number of consecutive dry days. The annual total snowfall significantly decreased in the south and increased in the north and north‐east during the second half of the twentieth century. The results are generally similar for 1900–2003. The national series for the century shows an increase in annual snowfall from 1900 to the 1970s followed by a considerable decrease until the 1980s which also corresponds to a pronounced downward trend in the frequency of frost days. No consistent changes were found in most of the indices of extreme precipitation for both periods.