Below is a library of all variables available within ClimateData.ca. Use the filter to limit your search to specific types of data.
Wet Days >=1mm describes the number of days where at least 1 mm of precipitation (rain and snow combined) falls in the selected time period. This index generally captures every day when there is measurable precipitation.
Adequate precipitation is crucial to water availability, agriculture, electricity generation and wildfire suppression.
Technical description:
The number of days with precipitation >= 1.0 mm. Use the Variable menu option to view the annual, monthly or seasonal values for this index.
Wet Days >=10mm describes the number of days where at least 10 mm of precipitation (rain and snow combined) falls in the selected time period.
Adequate precipitation is crucial to water availability, agriculture, electricity generation and wildfire suppression.
Technical description:
The number of days with precipitation >= 10 mm. Use the Variable menu option to view the annual, monthly or seasonal values for this index.
Wet Days >=20mm describes the number of days where at least 20 mm of precipitation (rain and snow combined) falls in the selected time period.
Adequate precipitation is crucial to water availability, agriculture, electricity generation and wildfire suppression.
Technical description:
The number of days with precipitation >= 20 mm. Use the Variable menu option to view the annual, monthly or seasonal values for this index.
Maximum 1-Day Total Precipitation describes the largest amount of precipitation (rain and snow combined) that falls within a single 24-hour day for the selected time period. This index is commonly referred to as the wettest day of the year.
Very high 1-day precipitation totals could be the result of intense, but short-lived precipitation events such as thunderstorms, or may be due to precipitation occurring steadily over the course of the day. Short duration, high intensity precipitation events may lead to flash flooding, particularly in urban areas where storm drains may be overwhelmed. Heavy snowfall events can cause damage to buildings and disrupt transportation services.
Technical description:
The largest precipitation total that falls in a single day in the selected time period. Use the Variable menu option to view annual, monthly or seasonal values for this index.
Total Precipitation describes the total amount of precipitation (rain and snow combined) that falls within the selected time period.
Precipitation significantly impacts water availability, agricultural practices, electricity generation and wildfire suppression.
Technical description:
The total amount of precipitation (mm) accumulated in the selected time period. Use the Variable menu option to view the annual, monthly or seasonal values for this variable.
Maximum 5-Day Precipitation describes the largest amount of precipitation (rain and snow combined) to fall over 5 consecutive days.
High precipitation totals can cause flooding in urban areas, damage to crops and roads, and erode top soil. Heavy snowfall events can cause damage to buildings and disrupt transportation services.
Technical Description:
The maximum total precipitation that falls over a consecutive 5-day period. Use the Variable menu option to view annual, monthly or seasonal values for this index.
The Maximum Number of Consecutive Dry Days describes the longest spell of days where less than 1mm of precipitation falls daily.
Periods of dry weather can impact agriculture, energy demands and water availability. Drought conditions may result when dry periods are long-lasting.
Technical Description:
The maximum number of consecutive days with precipitation below 1mm/day, within the selected time period. Use the Variables menu option to view annual, monthly or seasonal values for this index.
The Number of Periods with more than 5 Consecutive Dry Days describes the number of times when daily precipitation totals are less than 1mm a day for six or more days straight.
Periods of dry weather can impact agriculture, energy demands and water availability. Drought conditions may result when dry periods are long-lasting.
Technical Description:
The number of periods with more than 5 consecutive days with precipitation below 1mm/day, within the selected time period. Use the Variables menu option to view annual, monthly or seasonal values for this index.
The Standardised Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) is a drought index based on the difference between precipitation (P) and potential evapotranspiration (PET). Negative (positive) values indicate water deficit (surplus).
SPEI-3 describes the SPEI of the month selected from the drop-down menu and the previous 2 months. For example, to look at SPEI values for the summer (June, July and August), select August from the drop-down menu. The SPEI values displayed will be for August, July and June.
Drought can occur on a variety or timescales and impacts will depend on how widespread and how long-lived a drought is. Drought affects water availability, which is of particular importance to agriculture and hydro-electricity production.
Use the Variable menu option to view any 3-month period for this index. Remember to select the final month of your chosen 3-month period in the drop-down menu.
The Standardised Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) is a drought index based on the difference between precipitation (P) and potential evapotranspiration (PET). Negative (positive) values indicate water deficit (surplus).
SPEI-12 describes the SPEI of the month selected from the drop-down menu and the previous 11 months. For example, to look at annual SPEI values, select December from the drop-down menu. The SPEI values displayed will be for December and the previous 11 months (January to November).
Drought can occur on a variety or timescales and impacts will depend on how widespread and how long-lived a drought is. Drought affects water availability, which is of particular importance to agriculture and hydro-electricity production.
Use the Variable menu option to view any 12-month period for this index. Remember to select the final month of your chosen 12-month period in the drop-down menu.