Climate for Station: Resolute Cars, Nunavut, Canada

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Climate Analysis & Overview

Resolute, located in the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut, Canada, exhibits a marked warming trend over the past decade, with significant increases in both high and low temperatures. Despite this, the all-time trends indicate a more gradual warming pattern. Precipitation is slightly more concentrated than in the past, suggesting changes in weather event distribution.

Arctic Climate Dynamics

Resolute is situated in a polar climate zone, classified under the Köppen climate classification as ET, which is characterised by long, extremely cold winters and short, cool summers. The geography of Resolute, surrounded by the icy waters of the Arctic Archipelago, heavily influences its climate. This location results in significant temperature fluctuations and a generally harsh environment. Over the past decade, the area has experienced a notable warming trend, with highs increasing by 1.54°C (2.77°F) and lows by 2.54°C (4.57°F). These changes are more pronounced than the all-time trends, which show a rise of 0.36°C (0.65°F) in highs and 0.43°C (0.77°F) in lows. This suggests a recent acceleration in warming, possibly linked to broader Arctic climate changes and Canada's regional climate goals to mitigate such impacts.

Temperature Extremes and Records

The temperature extremes in Resolute are stark, with historical records showing a maximum of 20.1°C (68.2°F) and a minimum of -52.2°C (-62.0°F). These records highlight the severe cold that can dominate the region, while the relatively moderate maximum temperature underscores the brief and mild nature of its summers. The all-time warming trends, though less dramatic than recent changes, still indicate a gradual shift towards warmer conditions over the years.

Precipitation Patterns and PCI

The Precipitation Concentration Index (PCI) for Resolute has seen a slight increase from a baseline of 12.49 to a current value of 12.68. The PCI is a measure of how precipitation is distributed over time; a higher value indicates that precipitation is becoming more concentrated in fewer, more intense events. This marginal change suggests that while the overall distribution of precipitation events has not drastically altered, there is a slight trend towards more concentrated rainfall or snowfall events. This could have implications for local ecosystems and infrastructure, especially in a region where resources are scarce.

Implications of Warming Trends

The warming trends observed in Resolute align with broader patterns seen across the Arctic, where temperatures are rising at more than twice the global average. These changes are likely to have profound impacts on the local environment, including permafrost thaw, sea ice melt, and shifts in wildlife patterns. The significant increase in low temperatures over the past decade is particularly noteworthy, as it may affect the stability of permafrost and the traditional ways of life for Indigenous communities. As Canada continues to address climate change, understanding these regional nuances is crucial for developing effective adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Station Statistics

10-Year Trend

High: +1.53 °C/decade

Low: +2.54 °C/decade

Rain: +0.01 mm/decade

25-Year Trend

High: +0.99 °C/decade

Low: +0.62 °C/decade

Rain: -0.02 mm/decade

50-Year Trend

High: +0.71 °C/decade

Low: +0.72 °C/decade

Rain: -0.00 mm/decade

All-Time Trend

High: +0.38 °C/decade

Low: +0.45 °C/decade

Rain: +0.01 mm/decade

Percentage Above-Average Days

Last 12 Months: 59.2%

This Year: 53.7%

Precipitation Concentration Index (PCI) ℹ️

Last 12 Months: 18.0

Historical Average: 17.2

Percentile Rank of Last 12 Months ℹ️

High: 97th percentile

Low: 98th percentile

Rain: 91st percentile

Change in Variance ℹ️

High: -13.4%

Low: -11.0%

Intraday: +6.7%

Data Coverage

96.1%

First Year of Data

1947

Station Location

Historical Weather Records

Max HighAvg HighMin HighMax AvgAvg AvgMin AvgMax LowAvg LowMin LowMax PrecipitationAvg PrecipitationMax SnowAvg Snow
Record20.1 °C-45.4 °C15.4 °C-49.7 °C12.2 °C-52.2 °C34.5 mm270.0 mm
January-0.8 °C-27.8 °C-43.9 °C-6.9 °C-31.2 °C-48.4 °C-10.8 °C-35.0 °C-52.2 °C7.6 mm0.1 mm134.0 mm1.3 mm
February-3.9 °C-29.1 °C-45.4 °C-8.9 °C-32.5 °C-49.7 °C-16.7 °C-36.1 °C-52.0 °C4.5 mm0.1 mm56.0 mm1.3 mm
March-2.7 °C-26.5 °C-44.8 °C-6.9 °C-29.9 °C-47.8 °C-10.1 °C-33.8 °C-51.7 °C4.6 mm0.2 mm140.0 mm1.8 mm
April0.0 °C-18.4 °C-36.7 °C-3.3 °C-21.7 °C-40.2 °C-5.0 °C-26.0 °C-42.1 °C6.9 mm0.2 mm86.0 mm2.1 mm
May6.1 °C-7.2 °C-21.1 °C2.9 °C-9.9 °C-24.4 °C0.6 °C-13.5 °C-29.4 °C34.5 mm0.3 mm86.0 mm3.1 mm
June18.3 °C2.3 °C-10.6 °C13.3 °C0.2 °C-11.1 °C11.3 °C-2.2 °C-16.7 °C30.7 mm0.5 mm108.0 mm2.4 mm
July20.1 °C7.4 °C0.0 °C15.4 °C4.6 °C-0.9 °C12.2 °C1.7 °C-3.1 °C22.8 mm0.8 mm94.0 mm1.2 mm
August15.3 °C4.7 °C-4.5 °C11.7 °C2.4 °C-6.1 °C7.9 °C-0.0 °C-9.3 °C26.2 mm1.0 mm104.0 mm2.6 mm
September12.9 °C-2.1 °C-16.1 °C5.1 °C-3.8 °C-18.4 °C4.4 °C-6.3 °C-20.6 °C18.2 mm0.7 mm156.0 mm5.6 mm
October3.6 °C-10.5 °C-31.0 °C1.3 °C-12.9 °C-32.0 °C0.4 °C-16.5 °C-37.3 °C12.2 mm0.5 mm142.0 mm5.3 mm
November-2.8 °C-19.4 °C-38.3 °C-3.8 °C-22.3 °C-39.2 °C-5.6 °C-26.1 °C-42.8 °C9.1 mm0.3 mm270.0 mm2.8 mm
December-1.3 °C-24.5 °C-41.1 °C-4.4 °C-27.6 °C-43.2 °C-8.0 °C-31.6 °C-46.1 °C11.4 mm0.2 mm70.0 mm1.9 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