Changes in temperature and rainfall

Changes in average temperature in Devonport are projected to range from 0.2-1.0C, the least of all the regions studied. Extreme temperatures are still not expected to exceed 40°C.  Annual rainfall is expected to decline by 1-11%, with the main decrease in spring, where rainfall could decline by up to 17%.

Potential effects on crops

• Devonport appears to be the least affected of the regions studied by projected climate changes
• Small increases in monthly minimum and maximum temperatures will add to what is already a mild climate
• The Devonport region relies on river extraction as well as surface water for irrigation during summer. Projected declines in spring rainfall will increase irrigation requirements.

Click HERE for a table showing the effects of changes in average temperature of +1^oC, +2^oC, +3^oC, +4^oC as well as the impact of 5 days over 35^oC for major crops grown in Devonport.

Note : These descriptions relate to the temperatures that the crops experience and not to changes in monthly average temperatures. An increase of 1^oC in monthly average temperature can easily mean increases of 4^oC or more on particular days.