Virginia W

Virginia W SRC
Environment
Job Title
Lead Research Scientist/Climatologist

Virginia is the Lead Research Scientist/Climatologist of the Climate Services Group at SRC. Virginia’s research interests are in climate change impacts, adaptations and natural hazards and vulnerability assessments. Virginia was on the Board of Directors of the Saskatchewan branch of the Canadian Water Resources Association from the early 1990s to March 2025 and served as chair of the Saskatchewan Chapter of the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society in 2010-2011. She has won several awards including, the City of Saskatoon’s Tourism Leadership Recipient (2011), the Saskatoon YWCA Science and Technology award (2004) and was appointed one of Canada’s “Leaders in Innovation” by the Partnership Group of Science and Engineering (2006). Virginia has over 100 publications in referred scientific journals, books, technical reports and conference proceedings.

Virginia also manages SRC's Climate Reference Stations, which provide monthly and annual climate summaries.

Posts by this Author

backyard covered in snow
Know Your Extreme Winter Weather Hazards in Saskatchewan
written by Virginia W and Suzanne J
Old Man Winter has arrived in Saskatchewan and he's brought suitcases full of snow. It's important to be prepared for extreme winter weather events, like blizzards and extreme cold. The more we can anticipate and plan for these events, the more we can reduce their impacts and risks on us.
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storm clouds moving across airport
Know Your Extreme Summer Weather Hazards in Saskatchewan
written by Virginia W and Suzanne J
Extreme summer weather can have significant impacts our economy, society and environment. We’re talking about hail, tornadoes, plow winds, no rain, hot temperatures - all of which can lead to flooding, drought, insects, diseases and forest fires. It’s important to prepare for these types of weather events, so we can reduce the impacts and become more adaptable.
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Gravel road closed because of flooding
Saskatchewan Flood and Natural Hazard Risk Assessment
written by Virginia W
Every year, Saskatchewan faces the possibility of disaster stemming from natural hazards, such as severe weather, floods, drought and wildfires. In recent years, flooding has been a significant...
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Oil Rig in water in Souris watershed
Case Study: Energy Sector’s Response to Climate Extremes at Souris River Watershed
written by Virginia W
In a recent case study, we examined historic and future climate extremes and variability in the Souris River Watershed that are impacting the energy sector. Find out how the energy sector has responded to extreme climate events and what future adaptation actions the they can implement to capitalize on potential opportunities and to reduce risks in a changing climate.
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Bright sunshine gauge
Saskatchewan – Canada’s Sunniest Province
written by Virginia W
Saskatchewan, despite its long winters (or what feels like winters that won’t end) is the sunniest province in Canada. The ability to measure and quantify that fact is important for industries in which weather plays a factor in planning and revenue. At our Climate Reference Stations, we use a sunshine duration sensor to help document Saskatchewan’s brightest attribute.
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canola field
Agriculture Adaptation Project
written by Virginia W
One of the Worst Natural Disasters in Canada The Agricultural Drought Adaptation project is the first work to comprehensively assess the severity, area and duration of past droughts across Canada. It...
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