Confused yet? Why would you have to carry an umbrella about with you if the future is going to be dry? Well, the answer lies in the fact that global warming (climate change caused by human air pollution) is affecting where and when rain and snow is going to fall. Of course, this differs around the world. On average though, our little blue planet is about to get a lot drier in the summer and wetter in the winter. This spells out trouble for many of us. Here’s why…

Scientists who study the climate have observed that changing weather patterns are occurring. In the high latitudes, there will be less snow in the winter and more rain. This means that there will be lots of water in the winter, when we don’t really need it. But there will be less snow. Snow is important because it allows water to be stored high in the mountains. In the late spring and early summer when we need more water, the snow melts and the water fills rivers and streams. If there is less snow in the mountains, less water will be released in the warm season. In other words, less snow in the winter means drier summers. So you’ll have to carry an umbrella for part of the year, but it will be dry for the rest of the year.

This may be a real problem for places that are already experiencing a water shortage. In California, for example, scientists predict that the snow pack in the mountains may soon be 15-30 percent smaller than it is now. Humans may soon have to use this precious resource a lot more carefully!