The Okanagan will have considerably hotter summers, along with warmer winters and longer growing seasons, according to a new climate change report.

Titled “Climate projections for the Okanagan region” and released Tuesday, the report features climate projections for the 2050s and 2080s.

It says findings indicate that the Okanagan can expect significant changes to climate in the coming decades, including summer becoming hotter and drier, warmer temperatures year-round and increased precipitation across all seasons, except summer.

However, the report noted “the extent of how much the climate changes over time depends directly on how well the global community is able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the near term.”

The report is a collaborative effort from the North Okanagan, Central Okanagan and Okanagan-Similkameen regional districts, with the Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium providing climate data and interpretation.

“This report is one of the most important tools we have in preparing for our future as a region,” Kevin Acton, RDNO chair, said in a press release.

“We need action now, and through this report, we have a clearer idea of what to expect and how to adapt for the longevity of our communities.”

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