The recently released National Climate Assessment was also broken down into regional reports, including the northern plains.

Dennis Todey, who heads up the Midwest Climate Hub (in Ames Iowa) says the regional report highlighted some important areas….

The report says the region is very dependent on snow and rain to maintain rivers and streams.
Todey says precipitation needed to feed those has become much more variable…

Todey says there are issues whether it is too wet or too dry…

Todey says the report also highlights warmer overnight temperatures, especially in the winter.