Final answer:
Statewide precipitation trends in North Carolina since 1895 demonstrate changes in rainfall patterns, with an increase in the intensity of rainfall events and variability in future precipitation. NOAA's climate models suggest that while some regions may experience more precipitation, others may see decreases, with shifts in storm tracks towards the poles projected as well.
Step-by-step explanation:
Statewide precipitation trends for North Carolina (NC) since 1895 indicate changes in patterns of precipitation and storm events, with climate models projecting that these trends will continue to vary in the future. According to data from NOAA and research provided by climate scientists, precipitation differences were computed as the difference between recent 20-year averages and the mid-20th century 50-year average, showing where increases or decreases in precipitation are projected. Blue areas indicate increases, while brown areas suggest decreases in precipitation.
What's more, the intensity of precipitation events is likely to increase on average, with tropical and high-latitude regions expected to see larger increases in overall precipitation. There is also a projection that the amount of rain in heavy precipitation events will increase for most regions.
Changes in the North Carolina Climate
In the context of North Carolina, these general trends can be further detailed by examining NOAA's Figure 13.9.5, which offers projections of future precipitation and storm events that are expected to shift and alter the historical patterns. North Carolina, like other regions across the globe, may experience shifts in rainfall distribution and in the patterns of storm events as well as intensity, influenced by broader trends in global climate change.