Winter Precipitation

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Winter Precipitation

Introduction

California has a large number of climate zones, with the frost dates varying across the small areas. It is important to note that the historical data provided by the United States national weather service provides relatively accurate and reliable information on the approximated dates of frost across the different areas in the state. Research and existing records are illustrative of the possibility of continued intensification in the hydrological cycle due to the increase in greenhouse gas effects. Observations are indicative that of the increase in precipitation trends as well as other hydrological variables such as evaporation.

Temperature data

According to the United States climate data, average temperatures ranged from highs of 75.3°F and lows of 47°F. In addition, the temperatures, based on the records provided, were on a gradual decline as the months moved into the winter period. In the state of California, the Mediterranean climate is divided into three distinctive patterns (Chung 29). The first variation is cool summer and cool winter climate located on the coast and in Sierra Nevada’s western slopes. The second variation is along the coast whereby there is a frequent summer fog. The third variation is in the interior valley marked by hot summers and relatively cool winters. A majority of the precipitation takes place during the winter months as opposed to summer, which is considered as unusual when compared to other parts of the world.

Precipitation Data

The data presented is indicative of the increase in levels of precipitation that is correlated with high levels of evaporation all of which are attributable to greenhouse gas effects. Annual precipitation levels of rainfall were at an average of 26.61 inch. The driest weather is experienced in the month of July when the average rainfall reaches an estimated 1.3 mm (0.1 in). In addition, the wettest month is January when the rains reach an estimated 132.6 mm (5.2 in).

Precipitation and Temperature

The relatively mild temperatures and winter rainfall of Mediterranean climate supports a relatively high number of animal and plant species in the state of California (Kahrl, and Roland-Holst 15). On the other hand, the desert climates of California rival the Mediterranean climate in terms of richness of animal and plant species. The topography in the state of California is associated with the distinctive and varied climate conditions across different areas. Chico, located on the Sacramento valley should anticipate floods and other natural phenomena in the event of El Nino rains given that it is a low lying are that experiences cool summers and relatively friendly precipitation levels as identified in the records.

Conclusion

Research reports are indicative of the increase in intensity in both precipitation and temperatures in the winter or summer months in California (Kahrl, and Roland-Holst 27). This is largely attributable to the extensive industrial activities taking place within the state resulting in high incidences of overly hot climates during the dry months of summer and overly high precipitation levels in the winter or wet months, mainly in July and January respectively. The shifts in climate in the state of California and more so around the United States can be associated with increase in incidences of pollution and global warming because of excessive production of gases by industrial and domestic activities. In addition, the variations in climate conditions around the state are attributable to the presence of different landscapes, which enhance altitude that influences the temperature and precipitation experience across the state.

Works Cited

Chung, Francis. Using Future Climate Projections to Support Water Resources Decision Making in California. Sacramento, Calif.: California Energy Commission, 2009. Print.

Kahrl, Fredrich J, and David W. Roland-Holst. Climate Change in California: Risk and Response. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2012. Print.