The University of Prince Edward Island established its Climate Research Lab in 2012 following discussions with the Province of Prince Edward Island that identified a need for more comprehensive data on local climate change impacts. Installation of the first Davis Vantage Pro climate stations began in August 2013, with 16 stations established by 2021.
An expansion supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency in 2021 introduced additional monitoring technology, including Onset HOBO RX3000 data loggers and sensors measuring air temperature, wind, precipitation and solar radiation. Selected locations also incorporate tidal sensors to monitor water levels and temperature, helping identify coastal flooding risks. The expanded network was designed to provide higher-resolution geographic coverage, capturing localized climate variations and microclimates that are often missed by conventional weather stations.
Since July 2023, the ongoing operation and maintenance of this network has been supported by the Estate of Dr. Constance MacFarlane, whose generosity has been instrumental in sustaining this important provincial resource.
The support provided through her estate represents a meaningful continuation of that legacy. Her commitment to scientific research, education and the natural environment lives on through the preservation of a network that advances our understanding of environmental change and helps communities prepare for the future.
As Prince Edward Island faces increasing challenges from growing-season drought, extreme rainfall, heat waves, coastal erosion and storm surges, reliable local climate and tidal information is becoming increasingly important. The network provides essential data to support research, agricultural decision-making, watershed management and coastal adaptation.
As of November 2026, the Dr. Constance MacFarlane Climate Station Network includes 48 climate stations across Prince Edward Island, in partnership with Parks Canada, the PEI Agri-Watershed Partnership, and private landowners. Maintaining this network is not simply about keeping 48 weather stations operational; it is about preserving an important scientific resource, building on Dr. MacFarlane’s legacy and ensuring that future generations have the information needed to understand and adapt to a changing climate.
Locations of Weather Stations on Prince Edward Island
Fox Island Weather Station
Applied Climate Change Students install a new climate station
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