Empirical test of the ClimateWNA model for local accuracy in the Kluane Lake area of the southern Yukon, Canada

A study found that the ClimateWNA model provides reasonably accurate estimates of summer temperature but not rainfall for local areas in Kluane Lake, southern Yukon. Researchers compared 25 years of ecological data with ClimateWNA predictions and a similar model (Daymet) from 2001 to 2014. While monthly summer temperatures matched well (r = 0.90), rainfall estimates were poorly correlated (r = 0.37). The findings caution against relying on these models for precise ecological predictions in this region, highlighting the need for localized climate data.

Krebs, C., Henry, J., Kenney, A., & Hofer, E. (2018). Empirical test of the ClimateWNA model for local accuracy in the Kluane Lake area of the southern Yukon, Canada. Climate Research, 75(2), 111–115. https://doi.org/10.3354/cr01511