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Coping with Temperature Change in California

California’s climate is typically characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters, but current and projected climatic conditions may alter expected temperatures throughout the state. The effects of these changes may vary by ecosystem. To understand what these changes may be and how to adapt to them, we put together a list of tools related to current and future temperature change in California.

NOTE: If you know of any temperature change resources relevant to California’s natural and working lands that are not on this list, please contact the California Climate Hub Coordinator, Devon Johnson.

  • Chill Calculator

    Run by the UC Davis Fruit & Nut Research and Information Center, this tool calculates both the current and historical cumulative chill units present in a given area.

    Change in Annual Averages Calculator

    This is a CalAdapt tool that allows users to explore projected changes in annual average maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and precipitation through the end of the century for California.

    Projected Change Map

    This is a CalAdapt tool featuring geographical projected changes in long-term (30 year) annual averages for maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and precipitation rate in California based on historical baselines and two future periods.

    Pistachio Bloom Forecast

    This is a tool created by the UC Davis Fruit & Nut Research and Information Center that calculates chill units and growing degree hours observed for specific years at a specific location in California.

    Almond Hull-Split Prediction Model

    This model, run by the UC Davis Fruit & Nut Research and Information Center, predicts the approximate time that an almond cultivar will be ready for harvest - works best in the first 90 days after bloom.

    Harvest Prediction for Peaches, Plums, & Nectarines: Using Growing Degree Hours

    This model, run by the UC Davis Fruit & Nut Research and Information Center, predicts harvest date for specific fruits given unique bloom dates and geographic location.

    Future Crop Suitability Tool

    Designed by the USDA California and Northwest Climate Hubs, this tool provides maps and information on the suitability of growing conditions for perennial crops under current and projected future climate conditions across the Pacific States of the US