Below is a library of all variables available within ClimateData.ca. Use the filter to limit your search to specific types of data.
Relative Sea Level Change is the change in ocean level relative to land. Whereas global sea-level change can be attributed to thermal expansion of water and meltwater from glaciers, ice caps, and ice sheets, relative sea-level change is the combination of the effects from global sea-level change and the vertical motion of the land.
CMIP6 projected relative sea level change data is available for every decade from 2020-2100, relative to 1994-2015 conditions.
CMIP5 projected relative sea level change data is available for 2006 and for every decade from 2010-2100, relative to 1986-2005 conditions.
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Vertical Allowance (CMIP6) – developed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).
The vertical allowance dataset presents values for coastal infrastructure over much of Canada’s coastline. Projections provided at this scale allow for high-level comparisons and planning. However, they also come with compromises, including the lack of small-scale details that may be important at specific locations. When using vertical allowance for the planning or adapting of coastal infrastructure, it is necessary to consult with coastal engineers who understand the local context in which this variable will be applied (including erosion vulnerability, wave run-up issues, etc.).
Vertical allowance is defined as the amount by which an asset (e.g., building, wharf) should be raised under rising sea levels so that the present frequency of coastal flooding does not increase for a chosen future period (Zhai et al., 2023). These data incorporate current statistics of tides and storm surges, as well as relative sea-level change projections and the uncertainties in those projections.
Projected vertical allowances (in cm) are available at a resolution of 0.1° (approximately 11 km latitude, 4-8 km longitude) for the coasts of British Columbia, Atlantic Canada and eastern Arctic south of 70°N for every decade from 2020-2100, relative to 2010 conditions. Vertical allowances up to 2150 are available upon request. The data are available for four Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSP) emissions scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, SSP5-8.5).
In the Arctic north of 70°N, the vertical allowance cannot be computed as there is no storm surge model data available.
Read more for methods and more details
Frost Days describes the number of days where the coldest temperature of the day is lower than 0°C.
The number of frost days is an indicator of the length and severity of the winter season. A location with a large number of frost days is also likely to have a short growing season, since frost is harmful to many plants.
Technical description:
A day when the daily minimum temperature (Tmin) is below 0°C. Use the Variable menu option to view the annual, monthly or seasonal values for this index.
This is a simple count of the days when the air temperature fluctuates between freezing and non-freezing temperatures on the same day. Freeze-thaw cycles can have major impacts on infrastructure. Water expands when it freezes, so the freezing, melting and re-freezing of water can, over time, cause significant damage to roads, sidewalks, and other outdoor structures.
Technical description
A freeze-thaw cycle occurs when the daily maximum temperature (Tmax) is higher than 0°C and the daily minimum temperature (Tmin) is less than or equal to -1°C.
The Variable menu option provides annual values for this index. Visit the Analyze page to calculate this index at different temporal frequencies, or to use different threshold values.
Cooling degree days (CDDs) give an indication of the amount of space cooling, i.e., air conditioning, that may be required to maintain comfortable conditions in a building during warmer months. When the daily average temperature is hotter than the threshold temperature, CDDs are accumulated (see Degree Days Above). Threshold values may vary, but 18°C is commonly used in Canada. Larger CDD values indicate a greater need for air conditioning.
Technical description:
The number of degree days accumulated above 18°C in the selected time period. Use the Variable menu option to view the annual, monthly or seasonal values for this index. Visit the Analyze page to calculate degree days using different threshold temperatures.
Tropical Nights (Days with Tmin >18°C) describes the number of days where the nighttime low temperature is warmer than 18°C.
Hot summer days and heat waves become particularly stressful if overnight temperatures do not provide cooling relief. Tropical nights make it more difficult for the body to cool down and recover from hot days.
Elderly people, the homeless, and those who live in houses or apartments without air conditioning are especially vulnerable during these heat events, particularly if they last for more than a few days.
Technical description:
A Tropical Night occurs when the daily minimum temperature (Tmin) is greater than 18°C. Use the Variable menu option to view the annual, monthly or seasonal values for this index. Visit the Analyze page to calculate Tropical Nights using different minimum temperature thresholds.
Tropical Nights (Days with Tmin >20°C) describes the number of days where the nighttime low temperature is warmer than 20°C.
Hot summer days and heat waves become particularly stressful if overnight temperatures do not provide cooling relief. Tropical nights make it more difficult for the body to cool down and recover from hot days.
Elderly people, the homeless, and those who live in houses or apartments without air conditioning are especially vulnerable during these heat events, particularly if they last for more than a few days.
Technical description:
A Tropical Night occurs when the daily minimum temperature (Tmin) is greater than 20°C. Use the Variable menu option to view the annual, monthly or seasonal values for this index. Visit the Analyze page to calculate Tropical Nights using different minimum temperature thresholds.
Tropical Nights (Days with Tmin >22°C) describes the number of days where the nighttime low temperature is warmer than 22°C. Hot summer days and heat waves become particularly stressful if overnight temperatures do not provide cooling relief. Tropical nights make it more difficult for the body to cool down and recover from hot days.
Elderly people, the homeless, and those who live in houses or apartments without air conditioning are especially vulnerable during these heat events, particularly if they last for more than a few days.
Technical description:
A Tropical Night occurs when the daily minimum temperature (Tmin) is greater than 22°C. Use the Variable menu option to view the annual, monthly or seasonal values for this index. Visit the Analyze page to calculate Tropical Nights using different minimum temperature thresholds.
Growing degree days (GDD) are a measure of whether climate conditions are warm enough to support plant and insect growth. When the daily average temperature is warmer than the threshold temperature, growing degree days are accumulated (see Degree Days Above). For forage crops and canola, a threshold temperature of 5°C is generally used.
Technical description:
The number of degree days accumulated above a threshold temperature of 5°C in the selected time period. Use the Variable menu option to view the annual, monthly or seasonal values for this index. Visit the Analyze page to calculate degree days using different threshold temperatures.
Cumulative degree days above 0°C can be used to determine when climate conditions are warm enough to support the growth of certain plants and pests. When the daily average temperature is warmer than 0°C, degree days are accumulated (see Degree Days Above).
This index can be used to determine the range of some insects and other pests. For example, the black-legged tick, which carries Lyme disease, requires the accumulation of at least 2800 degree days above 0°C for its survival. Warmer conditions can speed the development rate of these species and lead to an extension of their geographical range.
Technical description:
The number of degree days accumulated above 0°C in the selected time period. Use the Variable menu option to view the annual, monthly or seasonal values for this index. Visit the Analyze page to calculate degree days using different threshold temperatures.
Heating degree days (HDDs) give an indication of the amount of space heating (e.g., from a gas boiler/furnace, baseboard electric heating or fireplace) that may be required to maintain comfortable conditions inside a building during cooler months. When the daily average temperature is colder than the threshold temperature, HDDs are accumulated (see Degree Days Below). Threshold values may vary, but 17°C or 18°C are commonly used in Canada. Larger HDD values indicate a greater need for space heating.
Technical description:
The number of degree days accumulated below 18°C in the selected time period. Use the Variable menu option to view the annual, monthly or seasonal values for this index. Visit the Analyze page to calculate degree days using different threshold temperatures.
Climate Zones for buildings are determined based on the unique climatic conditions of a particular region. The National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) uses Heating Degree Days to define Climate Zones. In this case, Heating Degree Days (HDDs) are calculated using a threshold of 18°C. This metric indicates the potential heating required to maintain comfortable conditions inside a building.
Because the climate is changing, relying on historical data is no longer adequate and information about future climate is also required to design future-ready buildings.
Technical Description:
The NECB Climate Zones are classified based on the number of HDDs. The thresholds are shown in the table below. Additional guidance about Climate Zones for buildings can be found on the Learning Zone.
NECB’s Building Climate Zone Classifications for Canada.
| Zone | Heating Degree-Days of Building Location Celsius Degree-Days |
|---|---|
| 4 | < 3000 |
| 5 | 3000 to 3999 |
| 6 | 4000 to 4999 |
| 7A | 5000 to 5999 |
| 7B | 6000 to 6999 |
| 8 | ≥ 7000 |
Ice Days describe the number of days where the warmest temperature of the day is not above 0°C.
In other words, this index indicates the number of days when temperatures have remained below freezing for the entire 24-hour period. This index is an indicator of the length and severity of the winter season.
Technical description:
A day when the daily maximum temperature (Tmax) is less than 0°C. Use the Variable menu option to view the annual, monthly or seasonal values for this index.
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