Wind stations reliability for Indigenous regions in Canada: A case study

The uncertainty of climate-related challenges, including cold climates, wildfires, flooding, and high winds, is increasing throughout Canada due to the escalating effects of climate change. Therefore, climate data is a crucial source of information for a wide range of activities, from agriculture and transportation to infrastructure design and disaster preparation. In remote regions throughout Canada, accessibility and reliability of weather data can become a critical factor for the sustainability and well-being of Indigenous communities. Thus, this study investigates weather station reliability and correlates it with the geographical locations of case-specific Indigenous communities. The study first analyzes a specific geographical distribution of Indigenous communities and proximate weather stations in northern Manitoba and Ontario. The study then assessed the quality of the historical wind data using an extreme value analysis and return period for the peak wind velocities. While some regions throughout Canada have a robust network of weather stations and data, others lack acceptable coverage. Therefore, this analysis identifies the weather station reliability from the provided wind data based on the longevity and quality of the provided data. Reliability conducted in the study refers to the quality of the weather data and geographical proximity and relevance of weather stations to Indigenous communities. Wind records revealed significant differences in peak wind velocities at the stations surrounding the Bunibonibee Cree Nation due to the geographical distance and terrain. Wind record lengths also allowed for forecasting peak wind gusts, with outcomes showing increases and decreases based on historical data. Accumulating more wind records tended to stabilize fluctuations in peak wind gusts. By improving the accessibility and quality of climate data in these areas, we can better support Indigenous communities in their efforts to adapt to a changing climate and manage their resources sustainably.