Simulated difference in the mean annual maximum number of consecutive days with precipitation of less than 0.1 inches

Simulated difference in the mean annual maximum number of consecutive days with precipitation of less than 0.1 inches/3 mm for the contiguous United States, for the 2041-2070 time period with respect to the reference period of 1980-2000 (top). Color only (category 1) indicates that less than 50% of the models show a statistically significant change in the number of consecutive days. Color with hatching (category 3) indicates that more than 50% of the models show a statistically significant change in the number of consecutive days, and more than 67% agree on the sign of the change. Whited out areas (category 2) indicate that more than 50% of the models show a statistically significant change in the number of consecutive days, but less than 67% agree of the sign of the change (see text). Mean annual maximum number of consecutive days with precipitation of less than 0.1 inches/3 mm for the 1980-2000 reference period (bottom left). Simulated mean annual maximum number of consecutive days with precipitation of less than 0.1 inches/3 mm for the 2041-2070 future time period (bottom right). These are multi-model means from 8 NARCCAP regional climate simulations for the high (A2) emissions scenario. The models simulate increases over the majority of the U.S., with the greatest changes in the southwest.