The Yahara Watershed's climate in the 2020s and 2030s is exceptionally warm and wet, as climate change advanced more quickly than predicted. Several major weather events—a devastating flood in 2031, an oppressive heat wave in 2033, and a wet spring and hot summer in 2035—set the stage for a massive cyanobacteria bloom in the lakes, which causes the abandonment.

More large floods occur throughout the 2040s, as annual precipitation continues to increase. The rains begin to moderate in the 2050s, but droughts occur more frequently.

By 2070, mean annual temperature is about 8°F warmer than it was in the 2010s and climate instability is the norm.

Explore the changes in climate through the pop-up graphic below.