Incorporating temperature into seepage loss estimates for a large unlined irrigation canal

•Seepage responses to changes in stage, temperature, and groundwater elevations were simulated using VS2DHI.•Sediment temperature data are helpful in developing and testing seepage conceptual models.•Continuous long-term sediment data were used to validate seepage models.•Temperature effect on seepage rates and volumetric loss are substantial.•Real-time seepage monitoring is possible with coupled field and modeling approaches.