Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20Variable temperatures lead to unpredictable weather and damage Warming is projected to continue across Ontario throughout the 21st century. Across the province more precipitation is projected in the winter, though this could vary greatly by region (provincial range is from -56 to 158mm from historical levels). Summers are projected to be drier on average, with a range of -69 to 48 mm less precipitation than historical levels across the province by the 2080s. Higher temperatures in the winter may mean fewer frost days per year. This could mean a longer growing season which could affect plants and fish whose life cycles depend on the temperature.11 It is likely that lake-effect snow will increase in the short term as lake temperatures rise. However, by the end of the 21st century, snowfall will likely be replaced by heavy lake-effect rain events due to the higher temperatures. As well, warmer annual temperatures will cause warmer winters which will lead to precipitation in the form of ice, sleet and freezing rain as opposed to snow.13 Ice storms will likely occur more frequently with more moderate winter temperatures across most of Ontario in the future. Ice storms occur primarily when surface temperatures are hovering at or just below the freezing point. Changes to rainfall can also affect connectivity within and among streams and lakes.14 Extreme weather events 13.Town of Oakville.2014.Oakvilleā€™s Climate Change Primer; 19,22. 14. Chu,Cindy.2015.Climate Change Vulberability Assessment for Inland Aquatic Ecosystems in the Great Lakes Basin,Ontario. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry,Science and Research Branch,Peterborough,Ontario.Climate Change Research Report CCRR-43. 11 Patrick Hodge C. Roshe