Our turkey day looks to be a calm one without any real drama as you make your way to Grandma’s house. Temperatures will be well below normal though and a good bit of cloud cover above.

The day starts with some patchy fog in areas. Once that dissipates, mostly cloudy skies will be above for the entire day. Winds will be light, conditions calm. High temperatures today will only reach to about the freezing mark. The average high for the date is 46 degrees.

Tonight, mostly cloudy skies will remain in place with overnight lows around 20 degrees.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Following the snowstorm that made the month the snowiest November in Thornton in the past 13 years, the weather settles down today. We will remain cold but conditions will be dry and calm.

Things start out with some dense fog and roads remain snowpacked and icy in spots so allow extra time for your commute.

Mostly sunny skies will be above throughout the day. Winds will be light and out of the north. Cold air is going to linger with a high temperature today of only 25 degrees or so.

Tonight, mostly cloudy skies will be above with some areas of fog. Overnight lows will be in the teens.

What lies ahead for the Thanksgiving weekend? See here.

Our pre-Thanksgiving storm dumped snow overnight and will continue to do so through the morning. This afternoon snow will ease and tonight skies will clear leading to very cold temperatures.

Thornton has received more than six inches of snow as of this writing. Moderate snowfall will continue until about 10:00am after which we will see things taper off and come to a complete end in the mid to late afternoon. Additional accumulations of 4 to 6 inches will be possible.

Temperatures today will be cold with a daytime high in the mid-20s expected. Winds will be blustery through noon then begin to taper off. This morning, wind chill temperatures in the low teens will be seen.

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 2:00pm. Travel will be hazardous and is currently discouraged.

Tonight, skies will begin to clear and that is going to lead to very cold temperatures in the single digits.

Keep an eye on our Winter Weather Briefing Page for the latest.

Hopefully you got out and enjoyed the mild weather this past weekend because big changes are on their way. The much-discussed winter storm will arrive this afternoon and deliver what will likely be our most significant snowfall of the season so far.

The day starts out with some sun above but cloud cover will steadily be increasing through the morning. Mostly cloudy skies early this afternoon will be entirely obscured by mid to late afternoon.

Temperatures will top out in the mid-40s by about noon but then it will be all downhill. Winds will be picking up by noon and continue to be blustery the rest of the day and overnight.

Some sprinkles of rain may be seen in the early afternoon and then things transition to snow after 2:00pm. Snow will be light and sporadic initially then picking up the pace after 5:00pm. Moderate to heavy snowfall will then continue tonight and into tomorrow morning. It should be easing up by about 9:00am tomorrow then only light snowfall is expected during the day tomorrow.

Total snow accumulations for Thornton should fall in the 6 to 12 inch range, perhaps even a bit more depending on intensity.

A Winter Storm Warning will be in effect from 8:00pm tonight to 5:00pm tomorrow. The snow and wind is going to create hazardous conditions and make travel difficult if not impossible at its worst.

You certainly should complete your preparations for the storm today working toward the possibility of being stuck in place tomorrow. Please be safe tonight and tomorrow! Get all the latest on our Winter Weather Briefing Page here.

Some weeks on the Denver weather history calendar just seem to be busier than others and such is the case with this one. Numerous significant snow and wind events dominate the period around Thanksgiving as well as some examples of extreme cold.

From the National Weather Service:

21-25

In 1952…snowfall of 6.2 inches was measured at Stapleton Airport where northeast winds gusted to 17 mph on the 21st.

23-24

In 1992…a pre-Thanksgiving blizzard belted metro Denver. Gusty north to northeast winds at 30 to 40 mph caused near-whiteout conditions as visibilities were often below 1/4 mile. The strong winds drove snow into drifts of more than 4 feet. Hundreds of holiday travelers were stranded when airlines canceled flights at Stapleton International Airport where snowfall totaled 7.6 inches and north winds gusted to 37 mph. Blizzard conditions began around mid- morning on the 23rd and ended by mid-afternoon…but heavy snow fell through the night. Snowfall totaled: 12 inches at Conifer…Morrison…and Wheat Ridge; 19 inches at Littleton; 16 inches at Castle Rock; 9 inches in Brighton; 8 inches in Aurora; and 6 inches in Parker.

In 1993…a moist upper level disturbance dumped heavy snow over most of Colorado. Snowfall amounts averaged 5 to 8 inches across metro Denver. Snowfall totaled 4.6 inches at Stapleton International Airport where northeast winds gusted to only 20 mph on the 23rd. The very cold air mass caused the temperature to dip to a record low of 8 degrees below zero on the 24th. The temperature that day climbed to only 9 degrees…also setting a record low maximum for the date.

24

In 1915…Chinook winds from the southwest sustained to 40 mph with gusts to 46 mph warmed the temperature to a high of 61 degrees. It was windy most of the day.

In 1949…the low temperature dipped to 56 degrees…the all-time record highest minimum temperature ever recorded during the month of November.

In 1960…violent wind gusts caused some damage in Boulder. West winds gusted to only 22 mph at Stapleton Airport.

In 1980…a snow storm brought 3 to 6 inches of snow across metro Denver. At Stapleton International Airport…only 2.1 inches of snow fell.

In 1989…high winds were recorded in Boulder with a gust to 64 mph. West winds gusted to only 24 mph at Stapleton International Airport.

24-25

In 1908…heavy snowfall totaled 7.0 inches over downtown Denver overnight. North winds were sustained to 15 mph.

In 1930 strong winds raked the Front Range eastern foothills. Winds gusted to 40 mph at Valmont just east of Boulder where minor damage occurred.

In 1970…strong Chinook winds warmed Boulder. At the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder…wind gusts reached 97 mph…while in downtown Boulder winds peaked to 69 mph. Some minor damage occurred. Northwest winds gusted to 39 mph at Stapleton International Airport…and the high temperature warmed to 76 degrees on the 25th…setting a new record maximum for the date.

25

In 1877…northwest winds were sustained to 50 mph.

In 1902…northwest winds were sustained to 45 mph with gusts to 48 mph. The strong apparent bora winds warmed the temperature to a high of only 45 degrees.

In 1943…snowfall of 4.0 inches was the only measurable snow of the month. North winds were sustained to 17 mph.

In 1958…strong pre-frontal Chinook winds struck Boulder and the eastern foothills. A wind gust to 100 mph was recorded northwest of Denver. A gust to 88 mph occurred at Rocky Flats south of Boulder. The windstorm caused considerable structural damage to residential sections of north metro Denver.

In 1959…strong winds raked the eastern foothills including Boulder and Eldorado Springs. Wind gusts to 100 mph were estimated at the Matterhorn restaurant located atop Rocky Flats south of Boulder.

In 1993…a wind gust to 99 mph was recorded atop Squaw Mountain near Idaho Springs.

In 1998…strong winds developed over portions of the Front Range foothills for a brief time following the passage of a weak upper level disturbance. A wind gust to 71 mph was measured atop Blue Mountain near Coal Creek Canyon.

In 1999…strong Chinook winds developed in and near the foothills. Peak wind reports included 100 mph at the Eldora Ski Resort and 77 mph at the National Center for Atmospheric Research mesa lab above Boulder. West winds gusted to 38 mph at Denver International Airport.

In 2010…high winds developed in the foothills of Boulder County. A gust to 75 mph occurred 5 miles northwest of Boulder with a gust to 72 mph at the National Center for Atmospheric Research mesa lab above Boulder. West winds gusted to 24 mph at Denver International Airport.

25-26

In 1887…snowfall totaled 2.9 inches in the city. This was the only measurable snow of the month. Northeast winds were sustained to 18 mph on the 26th when the temperature dipped to 12 degrees below zero.

In 1959…a sharp cold front produced a northwest wind gust to 51 mph…followed by snow and falling temperatures from a high of 60 degrees to a low of 23 degrees at midnight on the 25th. Snowfall totaled 4.4 inches at Stapleton Airport before ending early on the 26th.

In 1972…winds gusted to 104 mph at the Rocky Flats plant south of Boulder. Gusts to 70 mph were recorded at the National Bureau of Standards in Boulder…while in downtown Boulder winds peaked to 68 mph. Some damage was reported. Northwest winds gusted to 47 mph at Stapleton International Airport on the 26th.

In 1984…blowing snow closed I-70 east of Denver…stranding over a thousand travelers in Limon. Denver received only 2.3 inches of snowfall. North winds gusted to 31 mph at Stapleton International Airport.

In 1999…strong Chinook winds redeveloped overnight in and near the foothills. Peak wind gusts included 72 mph atop Blue Mountain near Wondervu and at the National Center for Atmospheric Research mesa lab above Boulder.

25-27

In 1978…heavy snowfall of 6.0 inches was measured at Stapleton International Airport where north winds gusted to 20 mph. Most of the snow…4.8 inches…fell on the 25th. The greatest amount of snow measured on the ground was 5 inches due to settling and melting.

» Click here to read the rest of November 24 to November 30: This Week in Denver Weather History

Our latest storm system will be wrapping up and moving out on Friday. In its wake, Saturday and Sunday will bring dry conditions and warmer temperatures.

For today, light snow is tapering off and will be done by about 9:00am. Late morning will see clouds begin to break and mostly sunny skies will be above by sunset. Temperatures will be chilly today with highs in the mid to upper 30s. Tonight, mostly clear skies will be above and overnight lows will drop to the mid-20s.

Saturday begins a nice turnaround. Sunny to mostly sunny skies will be overhead and temperatures will rebound to the low to mid-50s. Conditions will be dry and calm. Saturday night into Sunday morning, partly cloudy skies will be above and overnight lows will drop to around 30 degrees.

Sunday promises to be the warmest day of the three day period. Highs will be in the upper 50s under sunny skies.

Have a great weekend!

Following last night’s light snow, a second disturbance impacts us today keeping the cold in place and bringing some precipitation. The system does lack drama however and won’t be amounting to much.

Cloudy skies will be above throughout the day today. Some freezing drizzle may be seen early and the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for it. Slippery roads will be the result in areas affected although the biggest areas of concern will be to our west and south. Do allow extra time to scrape any ice off your car and for potential traffic issues.

The drizzle will end by about 9:00am and we will see some flurries and light snow through today and overnight tonight. Little, if any accumulation, is expected – maybe up to an inch.

Temperatures will remain cold with highs at, maybe a bit above, the freezing mark.

Tonight, lows will drop to the mid-20s. Snow will be ending tomorrow morning.

Powerful, damaging winds, heavy snow and the first official weather observation in the Mile High City highlight this week in Denver weather history.

From the National Weather Service:

14-18

In 1964…the first measurable snowfall of the season totaled 6.0 inches at Stapleton International Airport where northeast winds gusted to 32 mph on the 14th. Most of the snow…4.2 inches…fell on the 14th. This was the only measurable snow of the month.

15-17

In 1991…a strong winter storm dumped heavy snow over metro Denver. Snowfall amounts totaled 15 inches at Castle Rock and Conifer…14 inches at Morrison and Parker…12 inches in southeast Aurora…and 11.6 inches at Stapleton International Airport. Winds were light with the storm.

16-17

In 2010…the combination of heavy snow and strong winds produced dangerous driving conditions in the high country. Blizzard conditions forced the closure of U.S. Highway 6 at Loveland pass and U.S. Highway 40 at Berthoud Pass. Blowing and drifting snow forced the closure of a 65-mile stretch of Interstate 70…west of Idaho Springs. Peak wind gusts included: 68 mph atop Niwot Ridge…55 mph near Blackhawk and Gunsight…and 52 mph at Berthoud Pass. Storm totals in the ski areas west of Denver ranged from 12 to 21 inches. Northwest winds gusted to 55 mph at Denver International Airport on the 16th.

In 2010…the combination of snow and strong winds produced dangerous driving conditions in the mountains west of Denver. Near blizzard conditions forced the closure of U.S. Highway 6 at Loveland pass and U.S. Highway 40 at Berthoud Pass. Blowing and drifting snow closed a 65-mile stretch of interstate 70…between Idaho Springs and Vail Pass. Peak wind gusts included: 68 mph atop Niwot Ridge…62 mph at Loveland Pass…55 mph near Blackhawk and 52 mph at Berthoud Pass.

16-18

In 1921…heavy snowfall totaled 6.5 inches over downtown Denver. This was the only measurable snow of the month. East winds were sustained to 14 mph on the 17th.

17

In 1948…a dry vigorous cold front accompanied by north winds gusting to 60 mph produced extensive blowing dust…which briefly reduced the visibility to 1/2 mile at Stapleton Airport.

In 1993…a wind gust to 70 mph was recorded atop Squaw Mountain near Idaho Springs.

In 1994…winds gusted to 66 mph in Boulder and to 63 mph on Rocky Flats south of Boulder. West winds gusted to 49 mph at Stapleton International Airport.

In 2000…snow fell in the foothills west of Denver…mainly south of the I-70 corridor. Snowfall totals included: 8.5 inches…7 miles south of tiny town; 6 inches at Genesee; and 5 inches…11 miles southwest of Morrison. Only a trace of snow was recorded at the site of the former Stapleton International Airport.

In 2016…bands of moderate to heavy snow fell along the Interstate 70 Corridor as strong fast moving storm system moved across Colorado. Wet roads quickly became icy and snowpacked. A 20-vehicle crash involving semis kept both directions of I-70 closed near Evergreen for a couple of hours. Storm totals included:  11.5 inches…4.5 miles south-southeast of Idaho Springs; 8 inches…5 miles west of Evergreen; 7.5 inches near Conifer…with 4 to 7 inches elsewhere. At Denver International Airport…1.7 inches of snowfall was observed.

17-18

In 1869…the heaviest wind storm in 5 or 6 years raked the eastern foothills including Boulder…Denver…Georgetown… And Golden. Some hundreds of dollars in damage occurred in Boulder.

18

In 1872…fresh west winds contributed to the relative humidity dipping to zero at 2:43 pm. The maximum temperature was 54 degrees.

In 1907…heavy snowfall totaled 6.0 inches over downtown Denver. Snow fell all day. North winds were sustained to 19 mph.

In 1915…northwest winds were sustained to 42 mph with gusts as high as 48 mph. It was windy most of the day.

In 1996…high winds struck the foothills west of Denver. Wind gusts ranged from 70 to 75 mph. A few power lines were downed…but no major outages were reported.

In 1998…strong downslope winds developed during the morning. Wind gusts reached a peak of 72 mph at Jefferson County Airport near Broomfield. West winds gusted to 41 mph at Denver International Airport.

In 1999…high winds developed in and near the Front Range foothills. The strong winds downed power lines…which sparked several small brush fires. In Broomfield… Scaffolding was damaged at the Wadsworth Recreation Center…while flying rocks broke several windows at a local bank building. Peak wind gusts included: 91 mph atop Blue Mountain near Wondervu…88 mph atop the Gamow Tower on the University of Colorado campus in Boulder… 83 mph at Jefferson County Airport…81 mph at the National Center for Atmospheric Research mesa lab above Boulder…and 80 mph at Wondervu. West-northwest winds gusted to 48 mph at Denver International Airport.

18-19

In 1975…snowfall totaled only 5.5 inches and north winds gusted to 35 mph causing some blowing snow at Stapleton International Airport…while a major blizzard struck southeastern Colorado.

In 1985…4 to 7 inches of snow fell across metro Denver. Snowfall totaled 4.4 inches at Stapleton International Airport where north winds gusted to 23 mph.

In 1991…another strong winter storm produced heavy snow over metro Denver. Snowfall totaled 9.5 inches at Stapleton International Airport with 9 inches at Parker… And 8 inches in southeast Denver…Morrison…and Wheat Ridge. This second storm brought the 5 day (15th-19th) snowfall total at Stapleton International Airport to 21.1 inches. The greatest depth of snow on the ground was 13 inches on the morning of the 19th. The adverse effects of the two storms were diminished by the lack of significant winds.

» Click here to read the rest of November 17 to November 23: This Week in Denver Weather History

Change is afoot today as the first in a series of systems arrives. With it, we see a return toward wintry conditions but without a lot of drama.

Partly sunny to mostly cloudy skies will be above this morning. As a cold front arrives, it will become cloudy by late morning into the early afternoon. Winds will be light initially but with the front’s arrival around mid-morning, speeds will be increasing and we will see some breezy winds into tonight.

High temperatures today will top out in the upper 40s but that will come early, by about noon, and then temps will be dropping.

As for precipitation, some light rain and drizzle may be seen after noon and into the early evening. Then, a transition to snow will occur. However, as we have been saying, there isn’t much moisture with this system so only minimal accumulations – if any – are expected between this afternoon and tomorrow morning.

Tonight, lows will drop to the low to mid-20s.

Stay warm!

Today we will see temperatures a good ways above normal, albeit with some cloud cover. Enjoy the warmth while you can as it will be followed by a few days of colder weather and perhaps some snow.

For today, mostly to partly sunny skies will be above as a relatively persistent wave cloud sets up aloft. The cloud won’t have too much of an effect on temperatures though due to warming, downslope flow. Highs today will top in the upper 60s, perhaps hit the 70 degree mark.

Tonight, mostly cloudy skies will be above with lows in the mid to upper 30s.

Looking ahead, the first in a series of fronts moves in tomorrow afternoon. With it, temperatures will drop and we will see some chances for rain then light snow. The cold and snow will linger through Thursday. There isn’t much moisture to work with so we aren’t expecting much in the way of snow accumulations over the two day period.

More details in the extended weather forecast here.