Photo credit: Peter Morgan

Climate is defined as the prevailing meteorological conditions in a region. Climate includes temperature, precipitation and wind.

Average (mean) daily temperatures for Iqaluit reach their low of -17°F (-27°C) in February, when the Global Warming 101 expedition begins. By April the average (mean) daily temperatures reach 5°F (-15°C) and by June, when the expedition finishes, the mean daily temperature is 39°F (8°C). The warmest month in Iqaluit is July with a mean daily temperature of 46°F (8°C).

On average, precipitation levels mirror average temperatures on Baffin—the coldest months generally have the least precipitation (usually in the form of snow) and the warmest months have the most (usually in the form of rain).

Climate is the long-term pattern of weather. Weather is the state of the atmosphere at any given time. One unusual weather event is not in itself evidence of climate change. Changes in longer-term trends, however, can be evidence of climate change. Some indications of climate change are later falls, earlier springs and disrupted precipitation and wind patterns.

Photo credit: Cliff Lavallee

Inuit traveling by dogsled or snowmobile often navigate by the wind direction. As the direction of the prevailing wind shifts, it becomes difficult or impossible for them to find their destinations.

The expedition team will give daily reports that include the weather conditions they experience. They will be watching to see if temperatures, precipitation, and wind on Baffin Island are different than average.