Precipitation Projections for New York State

              

Increase in Extreme Precipitation Events

In New York State, average summer and winter temperatures have been slowly increasing since 1970 (2° F in summer and 4° F in winter). We have also seen more extremely hot days and fewer cold winter days per year. These changes are affecting our water cycle, resulting in climatic effects such as an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events in the northeastern U.S. These changes could negatively impact society and lead to further distress for the State of New York. In 2009 alone, 175 total flooding events in New York State led to $32.82 million in property damage. The state is also still recovering from the $42 billion dollar toll of Superstorm Sandy.

     

About the Project

In preparation for these impacts, the  Northeast Regional Climate Center (NRCC) has partnered with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to downscale global climate model outputs and create extreme precipitation projections that will ultimately be incorporated into climate change adaptation planning for New York State. Christopher M. Castellano and Arthur T. DeGaetano completed this project as a part of the Northeast Regional Climate Center at Cornell University.

What Are IDF Curves?

Intensity Duration Frequency (IDF) curves were designed for use by municipal officials, researchers, and other decision-makers. These IDF curves display how precipitation events are being affected by New York State’s rapidly changing climate. 

For more information, please visit the NY Projected IDF Curves webpage!

Last updated July 26, 2019