The charts to the left show the estimated monthly total precipitation for Salt Spring Island under three climate scenarios (SSP 126, 245, and 585). These projections indicate an overall increase in precipitation during the winter months, extending into May, and a decrease during the summer months through September.
The high emission worst case SSP 585 scenario shows the greatest seasonal contrast, with greater increases in winter precipitation and greater decreases in summer rainfall.
These shifts could have significant impacts on local ecosystems and the environment. Reduced precipitation during the summer may lead to drier soils, more drought like conditions, and greater stress on vegetation. Meanwhile, increased precipitation during the winter could result in increased flooding and erosion. This would be particularly true following a dry summer as the drier ground would be less permeable to water, leading to increased runoff and erosion.
The charts to the left illustrate the same data as those pictured above. The vertical y axis has been adjusted to allow you to read the values more clearly.