Key finding: Average annual precipitation has increased 5.6 inches since 1895, and more rain is falling in heavy downpours.Warmer winters would allow some of these species to remain active for longer periods or to expand their ranges into Indiana. Why it matters: Cold temperatures control populations of disease-carrying insects such as mosquitoes and ticks, as well as forest pests.By mid-century, the northern third of Indiana will experience on average only six days per year below 5☏, down from 13 days in the past 3. Key finding: Extreme cold events are declining.Extreme heat also reduces crop yields, counteracting the benefits of a longer growing season. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable. Why it matters: Extreme heat raises the likelihood of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can lead to increased hospitalizations and medical costs.In the past³, southern Indiana averaged about seven of these days per year, but by mid-century this region is projected to experience 38 to 51 extremely hot days per year. Key finding: The number of extremely hot days 2 will rise significantly in all areas of the state.These shifts will impact air quality, extend the growing season and the allergy season, and create more favorable conditions for some pests and invasive species. Why it matters: A rising average temperature increases the chance of extreme heat and reduces the chance of extreme cold, and it also changes the timing and length of the frost-free season when plants grow.Temperatures are projected to rise about 5☏ to 6☏ by mid-century 1, with significantly more warming by century’s end. Key finding: Indiana has already warmed 1.2☏ since 1895.This report from the Indiana Climate Change Impacts Assessment (IN CCIA) describes historical climate trends from more than a century of data and future projections that detail the ways in which our climate will continue to change. These changing climate patterns affect us individually and affect many aspects of our society, including human health, public infrastructure, water resources, agriculture, energy use, urban environments, and ecosystems. Indiana will continue to warm, more precipitation will fall, and extremely hot days will be common in many parts of the state. Projections show the pace picking up even more speed as heat-trapping gases, produced by humans burning fossil fuels, continue accumulating in the atmosphere. But the speed with which these changes occur has increased significantly in recent decades. In some cases, these have been slow progressions. The data, going in some cases back to 1895, show clear trends, and there are no signs of them stopping or reversing. Temperatures are rising, more precipitation is falling and the last spring frost of the year has been getting steadily earlier.
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