MSU Extension Climate Science plays a critical role in developing and/or distributing landmark publications and reports about climate variability in Montana. Explore the featured publications below to learn more.

MSU Extension

Is it weather or is it climate? Weather is the condition of the atmosphere at a given time and place. Climate, on the other hand, is a longer-term or "average" condition of the atmosphere that you might expect for an area.

MSU Extension

Montana's farmers and ranchers are at the frontline of coping with climatic variability and increasing temperatures.

MSU Extension
All water in Montana is owned by the State for the benefit of its people. Individual water users have the right to use the waters of the State if they hold or are covered under a valid water right. A basic understanding of water rights is essential for people who want to play a part in the effective management of water resources.
Montana Institute on Ecosystems

The Montana Climate Assessment (MCA) is an effort to synthesize, evaluate, and share credible and relevant scientific information about climate change in Montana with the citizens of the State.

One Montana

This paper is an important step forward in identifying how agriculture can be a leader in addressing and adapting to climate issues facing land and natural resource stewards going forward. In many ways this is a beginning document, articulating a variety of agricultural adaptation strategies. But most importantly, it underscores the fact that agriculture and science have always been partners and that must continue when dealing with issues going forward that are directly related to climate variability.

One Montana

In rural ranching communities, the temporal and geographical variability of climate conditions pose many challenges. In cooperation with MSU Extension Service and the Musselshell Watershed Coalition, One Montana hosted three workshops (Clyde Park, Two Dot, and Winnett) to provide an opportunity for collaboration in regards to drought resilience.

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Keep reading to explore more resources: 

Climate Change Brief - Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

Gallatin County Water Supply Outlook

National Climate Assessment - Great Plains

NOAA's State Summary for Montana

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