Agricultural Weather Data
ACARN’s Climate and Weather Data Working Group is identifying gaps in agricultural weather data availability and advancing options for better data and decision aid support tools for agricultural producers.
Why weather data is important
A changing climate means accurate and accessible weather data is more important than ever. Consider some of things farmers are experiencing:
- More frequent extreme winds and storms
- Unseasonably hot or cold temperatures
- Introduction of new pests
These changes make accurate and reliable weather data essential for farmers to be able to plan, adapt and manage risk on their operations. There are also new opportunities for innovation, but without reliable weather data it is difficult to know what new practices will work best.
Right now BC agricultural weather data is inconsistent and incomplete. The information we need for effective management and adaptation in the short and long term is not available for researchers or farmers.
Roadmap for a Sustainable Agricultural Weather Network
This report provides a roadmap with clear actionable steps to build a sustainable agricultural weather monitoring program in British Columbia.
The report includes:
- The status of meteorological monitoring within BC
- An assessment of baseline coverage of agricultural areas
- Guidance for an operational structure that builds on existing assets
- Tangible action items for improving weather monitoring and tools for agriculture in BC
The report was prepared by agricultural meteorologist Andrew Nadler from Peak HydroMet Solutions. Project partners include the BC Agricultural Climate Adaptation Research Network Climate & Weather Data Working Group and the Climate & Agriculture Initiative BC.
2018 Gap Analysis of Weather Station Data in BC Agricultural Regions
This 2018 report provides an overview of weather station data in agricultural regions of BC. The report lays a foundation for developing strategies to improve weather station information that can better support climate change research and agricultural decision aid support tools.
The project was coordinated by ACARN in partnership with the BC Ministry of Agriculture and the Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium. The project committee included representatives from the University of British Columbia, the University of Northern British Columbia, the Climate Action Initiative, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
