University of Minnesota partnership releases new climate change analysis – West Central Tribune

By the middle of the century, Minnesota’s climate will be remarkably different than it is today.

Northern regions of the state are projected to experience up to 25 fewer days with lows below freezing by 2060, and southern areas could experience up to 25 additional days with highs above 90 degrees.

As we prepare for the years ahead, it’s critical for communities to have locally specific information on temperature, precipitation, and other variables to understand how they might be impacted — and how they can prepare.

That’s why the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership has released

top-line climate change summaries

for nine geographic regions in Minnesota, using data from the

climate mapping and analysis tool

launched earlier this year.

“These summaries include not just local climate projections, but also key impacts — how changing conditions will affect sectors such as agriculture and tourism,” said Nate Meyer, the partnership’s interim director.

For example, the partnership looked at how rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns will affect key species such as walleye and moose, as well as various crops and popular recreation activities.

“Changes in our climate will have significant impacts on the way we work, popular winter and summer activities like skiing and snowmobiling, and the health and functioning of ecosystems across the state,” Meyer said. “Our hope is individuals and communities will use this information to plan for the years ahead — and will turn to Extension as a resource to help in that process.”