Jamaica

Climate Recreation Community Catastrophe

Jamaica
Eden Index

Climate 7.5 Recreation 2.8 Community Safeguard

4.0/10

Jamaica, Iowa is a small town located in Guthrie County, in the central part of the state. It has a diverse climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summers have average temperatures ranging from 70°F to 90°F, while winters are cold with temperatures dropping to around 10°F to 30°F. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average of 36 inches of rainfall annually.

Hydrologically, Jamaica is situated near the Raccoon River, which provides a water source for the town. The river is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts, with species such as bass, catfish, and walleye available to catch. Additionally, the river's scenic beauty and calm waters make it ideal for canoeing and kayaking.

Outdoor recreation opportunities in Jamaica include hiking and camping in the nearby parks and natural areas. Springbrook State Park, located just south of the town, offers various trails for hiking and biking, as well as camping facilities. The park's lake provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. With its diverse climate and proximity to natural areas, Jamaica, Iowa offers a range of outdoor activities for residents and visitors to enjoy.

What is the Eden Index?

The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.


Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 7.5


Jamaica receives approximately 851mm of rain per year, with humidity levels near 83% and air temperatures averaging around 10°C. Jamaica has a plant hardyness factor of 5, meaning plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most plants will die off during the colder winter months. By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.

A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.


Weather Forecast




Streamflow Conditions

Des Moines

Area Rivers

Des Moines



Snowpack Depths

Des Moines



Reservoir Storage Capacity

Des Moines



Groundwater Levels


Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 2.8


The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences. Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.


Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):


The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area. The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.


Community Resilience Indicator (CRI):


The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.


Log Your Visit

When was your last visit to ?

Add a Photo

How was it? How were conditions?

Rate the


Submit

Leave A Review


Submit

Upload an Image


Favorite Limit Reached