Climate for Station: Eureka, Nunavut, Canada

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Climate Analysis & Overview

Eureka, located in the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut, Canada, is witnessing a notable warming trend, particularly over the last decade, with highs increasing by 3.01°C (5.42°F) and lows by 5.28°C (9.50°F). This is contrasted by a more modest all-time warming of highs by 0.39°C (0.70°F) and lows by 0.45°C (0.81°F). The Precipitation Concentration Index indicates a slight shift towards more evenly distributed precipitation.

Arctic Climate Dynamics

Eureka is classified under the polar tundra climate (ET) in the Köppen system, characterised by long, extremely cold winters and short, cool summers. The station's geographical position on Ellesmere Island, surrounded by icy waters and rugged terrain, influences its climatic patterns. The all-time trends show a gradual warming, with highs rising by 0.39°C (0.70°F) and lows by 0.45°C (0.81°F). This warming is consistent with broader Arctic trends, where rising temperatures are a significant concern due to their impact on ice melt and sea level rise.

Decadal Temperature Surge

Over the past decade, Eureka has experienced a more pronounced warming, with highs increasing by 3.01°C (5.42°F) and lows by 5.28°C (9.50°F). This sharp rise may be attributed to recent global climate patterns, including increased greenhouse gas concentrations and changes in atmospheric circulation. Such rapid warming could have profound implications for local ecosystems and traditional lifestyles, as well as contributing to the larger narrative of Arctic amplification, where warming occurs at a faster rate than the global average.

Precipitation Patterns and Distribution

The Precipitation Concentration Index (PCI) for Eureka has decreased from a baseline of 13.16 to 12.16, indicating a slight shift towards more evenly distributed precipitation events. PCI is a measure of how precipitation is spread over time; a lower value suggests a more even distribution, which could mean less intense but more frequent precipitation events. This change, while marginal, could affect local hydrology and the availability of freshwater resources.

Record Extremes

Eureka's climate records highlight its extreme conditions, with a maximum temperature of 21.9°C (71.4°F) and a minimum of -55.3°C (-67.5°F). These extremes underscore the station's position in a region known for its harsh and variable climate. Such records are crucial for understanding the limits of temperature variability and for planning in the context of climate resilience.

Regional and National Implications

The trends observed at Eureka are emblematic of the broader challenges faced by Canada in meeting its climate goals. The country's commitment to reducing emissions and adapting to climate change is critical, given the Arctic's sensitivity to warming. Recent weather events, such as unusually warm spells or shifts in ice cover, further emphasise the need for robust climate strategies.

Station Statistics

10-Year Trend

High: +3.04 °C/decade

Low: +5.31 °C/decade

Rain: +0.15 mm/decade

25-Year Trend

High: +0.80 °C/decade

Low: +1.06 °C/decade

Rain: +0.01 mm/decade

50-Year Trend

High: +0.80 °C/decade

Low: +0.86 °C/decade

Rain: +0.01 mm/decade

All-Time Trend

High: +0.36 °C/decade

Low: +0.42 °C/decade

Rain: +0.01 mm/decade

Percentage Above-Average Days

Last 12 Months: 55.9%

This Year: 29.6%

Precipitation Concentration Index (PCI) ℹ️

Last 12 Months: 15.5

Historical Average: 18.5

Percentile Rank of Last 12 Months ℹ️

High: 98th percentile

Low: 98th percentile

Rain: 96th percentile

Change in Variance ℹ️

High: -11.5%

Low: -11.3%

Intraday: -8.2%

Data Coverage

95.5%

First Year of Data

1947

Station Location

Historical Weather Records

Max HighAvg HighMin HighMax AvgAvg AvgMin AvgMax LowAvg LowMin LowMax PrecipitationAvg PrecipitationMax SnowAvg Snow
Record21.9 °C-52.1 °C19.3 °C-52.6 °C12.4 °C-55.3 °C41.7 mm152.0 mm
January-1.1 °C-32.2 °C-51.0 °C-2.5 °C-35.8 °C-51.7 °C-12.0 °C-39.5 °C-53.3 °C7.3 mm0.1 mm62.0 mm1.1 mm
February-1.1 °C-33.7 °C-52.1 °C-7.3 °C-36.9 °C-52.6 °C-17.7 °C-40.9 °C-55.3 °C4.6 mm0.1 mm82.0 mm1.1 mm
March-8.0 °C-32.6 °C-49.4 °C-11.4 °C-35.8 °C-50.7 °C-16.4 °C-39.7 °C-52.8 °C5.1 mm0.1 mm57.0 mm1.0 mm
April0.7 °C-22.5 °C-41.7 °C-4.3 °C-26.1 °C-44.2 °C-8.9 °C-30.8 °C-48.9 °C10.7 mm0.1 mm78.0 mm1.2 mm
May7.5 °C-6.9 °C-23.3 °C4.4 °C-9.8 °C-26.9 °C1.0 °C-13.5 °C-31.1 °C24.7 mm0.1 mm97.0 mm1.2 mm
June21.4 °C5.2 °C-6.5 °C18.7 °C2.7 °C-8.5 °C12.1 °C0.0 °C-13.9 °C17.1 mm0.2 mm94.0 mm0.8 mm
July21.9 °C9.3 °C1.5 °C19.3 °C6.3 °C0.6 °C12.4 °C3.0 °C-2.2 °C19.1 mm0.4 mm62.0 mm0.3 mm
August17.6 °C5.7 °C-7.8 °C13.0 °C3.5 °C-7.9 °C9.8 °C1.0 °C-11.2 °C41.7 mm0.5 mm132.0 mm1.4 mm
September9.3 °C-4.2 °C-24.4 °C4.6 °C-6.2 °C-26.3 °C2.4 °C-9.5 °C-31.7 °C13.7 mm0.3 mm145.0 mm3.7 mm
October5.0 °C-17.0 °C-38.3 °C0.6 °C-20.2 °C-39.3 °C-1.1 °C-24.3 °C-41.7 °C13.5 mm0.2 mm135.0 mm3.0 mm
November-1.7 °C-26.2 °C-44.5 °C-4.4 °C-29.3 °C-45.4 °C-8.4 °C-33.3 °C-48.2 °C7.9 mm0.1 mm108.0 mm1.5 mm
December-2.1 °C-30.1 °C-48.3 °C-6.6 °C-33.3 °C-49.0 °C-11.0 °C-37.1 °C-51.7 °C10.1 mm0.1 mm152.0 mm1.3 mm

Data Visualisations

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Current Year Climate Trends vs Historical

Current Year Climate Trends vs Historical - Max Temperature this Year
Current Year Climate Trends vs Historical - Min Temperature this Year
Current Year Climate Trends vs Historical - Average Temperature this Year
Current Year Climate Trends vs Historical - Rainfall this Year
Current Year Climate Trends vs Historical - Relative Humidity this Year
Current Year Climate Trends vs Historical - Max Wind Gusts this Year

Max Temperature this Year | 1 of 6

Climate 12-Month Moving Averages

Climate 12-Month Moving Averages - Max Temperature 12-Month MA
Climate 12-Month Moving Averages - Min Temperature 12-Month MA
Climate 12-Month Moving Averages - Average Temperature 12-Month MA
Climate 12-Month Moving Averages - Rainfall 12-Month MA
Climate 12-Month Moving Averages - Relative Humidity 12-Month MA
Climate 12-Month Moving Averages - Peak Wind Gust 12-Month MA

Max Temperature 12-Month MA | 1 of 6

Daily Data Points and Averages Throughout the Year

Daily Data Points and Averages Throughout the Year - Average Max Temperature Throughout Year
Daily Data Points and Averages Throughout the Year - Average Min Temperature Throughout Year
Daily Data Points and Averages Throughout the Year - Average Temperature Throughout Year
Daily Data Points and Averages Throughout the Year - Average Relative Humidity Throughout Year
Daily Data Points and Averages Throughout the Year - Average Peak Wind Gust Throughout Year

Average Max Temperature Throughout Year | 1 of 5