University Of Kansas Study - Western Part Of State May See 8F Average Temperature Spike, 2-4 In East

Rising carbon dioxide emissions will increase temperatures, intensify storms and dry out farm land in Kansas over the next 90 years, two scientists from The University of Kansas said in a report released Tuesday. The researchers steered clear of direct policy positions but said the findings of climate change's effects on Kansas should prompt action. "If we continue on as we're going, these are the conditions we're likely to face," said Nathan Brunsell, a KU climate scientist and one of the paper's authors. "We need to decide as a society how we want to meet these conditions."

Statewide, average temperatures will rise between two and four degrees, with western Kansas seeing upward of an eight degree spike on the thermometer, the report states. The jump is likely to have numerous direct and indirect consequences. Heating costs could decrease by 25 percent, but cooling costs would increase by 50 percent.

By 2060, temperatures in the winter months could mostly stay above freezing, allowing insects to thrive and pushing farmers to use costly pesticides more. The hotter summertime months could harm crops and livestock, the report also concludes. Total rainfall will remain the same, the report projects, but it will come in less frequent, more intense bursts. The scientists say this is because shrinking polar ice caps close the temperature gap between the poles and the equator. With less contrast between cold and warm areas, air circulation patterns slow and weather systems stay in place longer.

Higher temperatures are likely to outpace the intense storms and could result in a loss of soil moisture across the state. In farm-heavy western Kansas, dry conditions could increase water needs by as much as eight inches.

EDIT

http://www.cjonline.com/stories/111208/kan_355003125.shtml

We are 50 inches OVER in our total rainfall for the year,Most rain since they have been keeping rainfall records.