​A World in Miniature: The Microclimates in Our Own Backyard

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We often think of climate in big, sweeping terms—arctic, tropical, or temperate. But right within our local climate, there exists a hidden world of smaller, distinct climates known as microclimates. These are local atmospheric zones where the climate differs from the surrounding area. They can be influenced by everything from a building's shadow to a body of water, and my family has found that we don't have to travel far to experience a different kind of weather.

​For example, here in Ottawa during the fall, the main climate is temperate, but certain areas can feel distinctly like a savanna. As the days get shorter and the wind picks up, the once lush, green areas of the city dry out. My wife, my daughter, and I love to take walks in the local parks, where the grasses have turned golden and brittle. The dry winds sweeping across these open fields can make it feel surprisingly similar to a grassland biome. The feeling is completely different from the moist, cooler air we find in a sheltered, wooded ravine. This contrast is a great teaching moment for my daughter, who gets to see firsthand how different environments feel.

​We've discovered these microclimates all around our own home. The south side of our house, for instance, gets more sun and can be a hot, dry desert in the summer, perfect for our heat-loving plants. The north side, perpetually in the shade, is cooler and moister, an ideal spot for moss. A large body of water, like our local pond or creek, can create a humid microclimate, while our brick patio absorbs and radiates heat, creating a noticeable warmer spot.

​Paying attention to these small, local weather patterns has become a fun way for our family to experience different climates without ever leaving our property. It's a reminder that even in a place you know well, a world of variety is waiting to be discovered.