RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A new climate report from Virginia scientists shows how climate change has already changed the Commonwealth — and how these impacts are expected to continue affecting the state for decades to come.
On Wednesday, Nov. 19, scientists released the first-ever Virginia Climate Assessment, an analysis showed accelerating warming, heavier rainfall and some of the fastest sea-level rise on the East Coast. The report explains not only the current state of climate change in the state, but also economic and demographic shifts since the 1970s. The assessment covers all regions of Virginia, from the mountainous areas of Western Virginia to the coastal areas of Hampton Roads.
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Observed climate trends, future projections
Scientists have seen a significant warming trend, with a spike in annual statewide temperature of more than 1.5°F (0.8°C) since 1900 — and the warming has accelerated in recent decades. Projections suggest that by 2100, temperatures will rise to +3–13°F (1.7–7.2°C), depending on global emissions.
The report finds that Virginia is becoming wetter overall, with more precipitation events and more frequent tidal flooding. Scientists project that under high-emissions areas, future annual precipitation will increase by 5% to 10% increase in precipitation. The 30-year period from 1991 to 2020 shows an annual temperature of 56.0°F (13.3°C) and total annual precipitation of 45.83 inches (1164 mm).
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The report mentions that dry spells vary across Virginia, lasting about 16.8 days in Richmond and about 19.5 days in Norfolk. In Richmond, future projections expect that the 100-year storm rainfall to increase by 1.2 inches (30.5 mm, or 14%), based on data using a 1950–2005 historical baseline…