Erie is getting wetter...
In the wettest year on record in Pennsylvania in 2018, floods and landslides caused by heavy rains took almost a $126 million toll on roads and other infrastructure, according to Pennsylvania’s updated Climate Action Plan which was revised in April 2019.
The below chart shows current average temperature and precipitation trends for Erie Pennsylvania year-round.
Impacts of Changing Precipitation Patterns
- Seasonal precipitation changes will lead to more precipitation in the winter and spring and less precipitation in the summer and fall.
- The frequency and intensity of heavy precipitation events across the United States have increased more than average precipitation.
- In 2018, severe weather caused approximately $125 million in damage to public infrastructure due to flooding and landslides.
- Farmers are already experiencing direct crop damage from increasingly intense precipitation events.
- More intense rain events will lead to increased runoff and impaired water quality.
- Increases in precipitation will lead to to more mosquito breeding habitat.
How is precipitation changing in erie?
?️ Precipitation in Pennsylvania has increased an average of 10 percent over the last century with many places seeing a 20 percent increase (2015 DEP Climate Impacts Assessment).
?️ By 2050, precipitation is expected to increase another 8 percent.
?️ For many parts of the Commonwealth, 2018 was the wettest year on record
?️ Between 1958 and 2010, the Northeast U.S. saw more than a 70 percent increase in the amount of precipitation falling in very heavy events.
Precipitation Projections
The data shown below represents long-term trends and projections for precipitation in Erie County. View the different datasets by clicking each link below. The data is presented with historical data as well as future projections in both a higher and lower emission scenario. The information found on this page was taken from the Climate Explorer tool, which includes interactive maps and models that have capabilities beyond what is shown on this site. To view these interactive maps and graphs specifically for Erie County, click here..
