Climate Change in Central New York
The Paleontological Research Institution is based in Ithaca, NY, and the climate in our region is changing.
On this page:
Increasing Temperatures
From 1950 to 2018, average annual temperature in Tompkins County increased at a rate of 0.3 °F per decade.
Changing Precipitation
From 1950 to 2018, total annual precipitation in Tompkins County increased at a rate of 0.8 inches per decade. Central New York, like many places around the U.S., is experiencing more heavy rainfalls than in the mid-20th century.
Climate Projections
Numerical models predict a range of future climate changes, depending on different scenarios for the actions people take to reduce carbon emissions. When we emit carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and other gases into the atmosphere (mostly through producing and burning fossil fuels), those gases trap heat and warm the planet. The model results shown below use 1) a low-medium emissions scenario, where CO2 emissions peak by mid-21st century and then decline, and 2) a high-emissions scenario where CO2 emissions continue to rise through the end of the 21st century.
Extreme heat can lead to heat illness, increased power outages, loss of agricultural productivity, and dangerous working conditions for outdoor workers. By the end of the 21st century in Tompkins County, the mean of model results for the number of days per year with extreme heat (max temperature above 90 °F) is 19 more days per year than the period 1996-2005 for a low emissions scenario, and 55 more days per year than the period 1996-2005 for a high emissions scenario.
Graphs: Climate Change in Your County, Climate Smart Farming program
Heavy rainfalls can lead to devastating flooding. By the end of the 21st century in Tompkins County, the mean of model results for days per year with rainfalls above 1 inch in a 24 hour period is about 1 more day per year for a low emissions scenario, and about 2 more days per year for a high emissions scenario, compared with the period 1996-2005. One or two more days per year may not sound like a lot, but a single day of flooding can cause tremendous damage.
Graphs: Climate Change in Your County, Climate Smart Farming program
Impacts on local plants and wildlife
Download leaflets to learn about the effects of climate change on Central New York’s plants and animals.
How is climate change affecting Central New York’s plants and animals in spring?
How is climate change affecting plants and animals in autumn?
How is climate change affecting New York winters?
Animals and climate change
Resources for further exploration
Find out what scientists have learned about climate change and changes in the autumn life cycle stages of trees.
Find more phenology videos on PRI’s YouTube channel.
Explore the Cayuga Nature Center’s online exhibit, Climate Change in Central New York.
A gateway to data, maps, tools, videos, and more, including a Climate Data Grapher and an Interactive Map and GIS Viewer.
Northeast Regional Climate Center at Cornell University
A source of data products, maps, tools, news, and more for the Northeast U.S. Data are available for Ithaca, NY on the NRCC’s Ithaca Climate Page.
Responding to Climate Change in New York State (ClimAID)
A report from an assessment that was undertaken to provide decision-makers with cutting-edge information on New York State's vulnerability to climate change, and to facilitate the development of adaptation strategies informed by both local experience and scientific knowledge.