Bellaire, Kansas Climate SummaryBellaire, Kansas has a humid continental climate, with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. The average annual temperature is 55.2°F (12.9°C), with average highs in the upper 80s (°F) during the summer months and average lows in the lower 20s (°F) during the winter months. The average annual precipitation is 37.1 inches (94.2 cm), with most of the rain falling during the spring and summer months.
Summer
The summer months in Bellaire are hot and humid, with average high temperatures in the upper 80s (°F) and average low temperatures in the lower 60s (°F). The hottest month of the year is July, with an average high temperature of 90°F (32°C) and an average low temperature of 68°F (20°C). The humidity levels are also high during the summer months, with an average relative humidity of 75%.
Winter
The winter months in Bellaire are cold and dry, with average high temperatures in the lower 40s (°F) and average low temperatures in the lower 20s (°F). The coldest month of the year is January, with an average high temperature of 38°F (3°C) and an average low temperature of 18°F (-8°C). The snowfall averages 18.7 inches (47.5 cm) per year, with most of the snow falling during the months of December, January, and February.
Spring and Fall
The spring and fall months in Bellaire are mild and pleasant, with average high temperatures in the upper 60s (°F) and average low temperatures in the upper 30s (°F). The spring months are typically wetter than the fall months, with an average precipitation of 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) in April and 3.3 inches (8.4 cm) in May, compared to an average precipitation of 2.2 inches (5.6 cm) in September and 1.8 inches (4.6 cm) in October.
Climate Change
The climate in Bellaire is changing, with the average annual temperature increasing by 1.8°F (1°C) since 1895. The average annual precipitation has also increased by 2.6 inches (6.6 cm) since 1895. The increase in temperature and precipitation is expected to continue in the future, with the average annual temperature projected to increase by 4.5°F (2.5°C) and the average annual precipitation projected to increase by 4.7 inches (12 cm) by the end of the century.
Climate Impacts
The changing climate is having a number of impacts on Bellaire, including:
• More extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, and floods.
• Changes in the timing and distribution of precipitation, with more rain falling in the spring and less rain falling in the summer.
• Changes in the growing season, with the growing season starting earlier in the spring and ending later in the fall.
• Changes in the distribution of plant and animal species, with some species moving northward or to higher elevations.
The changing climate is also having a negative impact on the local economy, with the agricultural sector being particularly vulnerable. The increase in extreme weather events is making it more difficult for farmers to grow crops and raise livestock. The changes in the growing season are also making it more difficult for farmers to plant and harvest their crops.
Adaptation and Mitigation
The city of Bellaire is working to adapt to the changing climate and mitigate its impacts. The city has developed a climate action plan that includes a number of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change. These measures include:
• Investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.
• Improving energy efficiency in buildings.
• Promoting the use of public transportation and walking.
• Planting trees and creating green spaces.
• Educating the public about climate change and its impacts.
The city of Bellaire is also working with other communities in the region to develop a regional climate adaptation plan. The goal of the regional plan is to identify and implement strategies to reduce the risks associated with climate change and to build a more resilient community.