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 Great Plains region, for the 2041-2070 time period with respect to the reference period of 1980-2000 (left). 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 (center). 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 (right). These are multi-model means from 8 NARCCAP regional climate simulations for the high (A2) emissions scenario. The models simulate increases over most of the region, with slight decreases in the north.