Climate change in North Dakota

Climate change is affecting locations like North Dakota in a variety of ways. In fall, these impacts include drought that affects agriculture, increased cooling demand, and changes to fall foliage.

Explore these pages to learn how people in North Dakota are at risk in a warming world.

Since 1970, average annual temperatures in North Dakota have gotten 2.1°F warmer, reflecting an overall warming trend.

Warming puts people and ecosystems at risk from more frequent and intense extreme weather.
Overall, the contiguous U.S. is about 2.8°F warmer today than in 1970, based on average temperatures.
Data source: NCEI Climate at a Glance

Since 1970, North Dakota's annual precipitation has increased by 1.4 inches.

Climate change is supercharging the water cycle and bringing heavier precipitation extremes across the U.S.
For every 1°F of warming, the air can hold 4% more moisture, increasing the chances of heavier downpours that contribute to flash flooding hazards.
Data source: NCEI Climate at a Glance

North Dakota's climate threats in include:

Since 1970, average fall temperatures in North Dakota have gotten 3.7°F warmer, reflecting an overall warming trend.

Fall warming means that risky heat, fire weather, and allergies linger later into the year.
Data source: NCEI Climate at a Glance

Explore some ways climate change is affecting North Dakota in fall

Stress to crops

Drought worsens crop damages from heat, and drier heat waves may cut global corn and soybean yields.

Key concepts:

Extreme heat and drought are colliding across large swaths of the U.S., damaging crops in the process.
Drought exacerbates crop damages from heat, and drier heat waves from our warming climate may cut global corn and soybean yields

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Higher cooling demand for schools

Hotter summers and longer warm seasons make cooling schools a growing challenge.

Key concepts:

Hotter summers and longer warm seasons make cooling schools a growing challenge.
Cooling is essential for student and staff health and safety.
Since 1970, cooling demand during back-to-school season rose in 95% of U.S. locations analyzed.
Rising demand means schools face costly upgrades to keep classrooms safe and comfortable.

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Impacts to fall color

Conditions that trigger fall color are shifting with climate change.

Key concepts:

Foliage depends on temperature, day length, and rainfall — as well as other conditions including extreme weather events.
Cool fall nights can boost color, but they have warmed 2.7°F (1970–2023) in 212 U.S. locations.
Warmer falls can delay or shorten peak foliage.

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More fire weather

Wildfire seasons are lengthening and intensifying.

Key concepts:

Climate Central analyzed U.S. fire weather (hot, dry, windy conditions) from 1973–2024.
Wildfire seasons are lengthening and intensifying, especially in the West.
Fire weather is rising most in spring nationwide

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Impacts to food prices

Extreme events fueled by climate change can damage crops, reduce yields, and disrupt supply chains.

Key concepts:

Food and climate change are closely linked. Food systems account for about one-quarter of all heat-trapping pollution.
Meanwhile, extreme events fueled by climate change can damage crops, reduce yields, and disrupt supply chains — all of which can drive food prices higher.
The availability, quality, and affordability of food reflect a complex set of climatic and socioeconomic factors. Emerging research is providing insight into the role of climate change.

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More graphics about North Dakota and climate change

Browse climate-related graphics for all seasons localized for North Dakota, available for download and use consistent with our Terms of use.

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Climate change in North Dakota

North Dakota's climate threats in fall include:

Explore some ways climate change is affecting North Dakota in fall

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North Dakota's climate threats in include: