Category Archives: Climatology

Climatology, Thornton Weather

April 2025 weather recap: Thornton sees its 3rd warmest & 3rd driest April of the past 18 years

Thornton, Colorado's April 2025 Temperature Summary. (ThorntonWeather.com)
Thornton, Colorado’s April 2025 Temperature Summary. (ThorntonWeather.com)

April typically brings cool temperatures and a nice shot of precipitation to Thornton. That was not the case this year as we recorded our 3rd warmest and 3rd driest April on record.

We started out on the cool side of things for the first five days of the month and saw a little bit of snow and rain.

The next thirteen days, however, saw a turn toward temperatures well above normal including some 80+ degree days. Precipitation was similarly scarce with only one day recording a minimal snowfall.

We did then see a quick return to wintry weather on the 18th and 19th with below normal temperatures and our biggest snowfall of the month, a mere 2.5 inches.

Above normal temperatures then returned for all but one day of the rest of the month. We did see two minor precipitation events during the final week.

Thornton’s average temperature for April 2025 came in at 50.1 degrees. This was a good bit above our 19-year running average for the month of 48.5 degrees. It put the month in the book as our third warmest April during that period. Highs ranged from a maximum of 87.7 degrees on the 12th down to a low of 25.3 degrees on the 3rd.

As measured at Denver International Airport, Denver saw an average temperature for the month of 48.5 degrees. This was well above the Mile High City’s long term April average of 47.8 degrees.

In terms of precipitation, Thornton saw only 0.66 inches of rain / snow melt. This was far below our 19-year running average for April of 1.68 inches.

Denver, at the airport, recorded 0.50 inches. This too was well below their long term average of 1.68 inches for April.

Snow was similarly disappointing. Thornton only saw 3.2 inches of the white stuff. Our 19-year running average for April is 6.2 inches.

The Mile High City recorded a mere 2.2 inches of snowfall during the month. This was far below the 8.7 inch average for the month in Denver.

Click here to view Thornton’s complete April 2025 climate summary report.

Thornton, Colorado's April 2025 Precipitation Summary. (ThorntonWeather.com)
Thornton, Colorado’s April 2025 Precipitation Summary. (ThorntonWeather.com)
Climatology, Thornton Weather

Thornton’s May 2025 preview: From snow to severe storms

The Month of May

Colorado’s famously highly variable weather seems to showcase itself during the month of May when a variety of weather conditions can be seen.

The month can certainly bring extremes.

Snow is not entirely uncommon during the month, occurring in about 50% of Mays. When it does, it has the potential to cause damage to newly bloomed trees.

More common however is severe weather, particularly in the latter half of the month.  Thunderstorms become more frequent and their associated hazards – lightning, wind, hail and tornadoes – are usual visitors.

For a complete look at what lies ahead for the month of May, check out our full preview here.

Climatology, Thornton Weather

Thornton’s April 2025 weather preview: Winter, spring and summer all in one month

The month of April

April marks a transition between winter and summer for most of the country but for Denver it is especially true as we can see a stunning variety of weather.

The proverbial April showers are certainly a possibility for Denver. Snow? Tornadoes? Thunderstorms? You bet – all can happen!

For good measure throw in a chance for hail and even dust storms and April gives every type of weather condition you could like – or hate.

Climatology, Thornton Weather

February 2025 weather recap: Temps come in right at average, month is drier than normal

Thornton, Colorado's February 2025 Temperature Summary. (ThorntonWeather.com)
Thornton, Colorado’s February 2025 Temperature Summary. (ThorntonWeather.com)

The month of February might have seemed unusually cold and while we did see a very chilly middle of the month, it was bookended by a warm start and finish. Also, while we received a good bit of snow, it was relatively dry giving little measurable precipitation.

The month started out with above normal temperatures dominating six of the first seven days of the month. Things then turned toward the colder side for the next two weeks with below average temperatures on all but one day during the period. We then saw things turn warmer and Mother Nature gave us a hint of spring.

We only saw four days with snowfall, none of which were significant events. All of them were relatively ‘dry snow’ and didn’t do much in terms of liquid precipitation. The greatest snowfall came out the 15th of the month with 3.9 inches.

Overall, Thornton’s average temperature came in at 31.8 degrees. That is right at the running 18-year average for the month.

Our warmest temperature reading of 69.7 degrees came on the 25th of the month. Our coldest, -1 degrees, was recorded on the morning of the 19th.

Out at Denver International Airport where the Mile High City’s official records are kept, it was slightly colder. The site saw an average temperature for the month of 31.2 degrees. This was well below their long-term average for February of 32.7 degrees.

Precipitation for the month was rather meager, despite the snow we received. Thornton saw a mere 0.10 inches in its bucket. This was well below the running average for February of 0.64 inches. It also put February 2025 into the books as the second driest February of the past 18 years.

At DIA, Denver fared better with 0.22 inches recorded. This was just more than half of the long-term February average for the Mile High City of 0.41 inches.

In terms of snowfall, Thornton recorded 6.3 inches. That is a respectable amount but well below our February average of 11.3 inches.

DIA saw less snow than us with 5.5 inches recorded. This was a good bit below their long-term February average of 7.6 inches.

Click here to view Thornton’s complete February 2025 climate summary report.

Thornton, Colorado's February 2025 Precipitation Summary. (ThorntonWeather.com)
Thornton, Colorado’s February 2025 Precipitation Summary. (ThorntonWeather.com)
Climatology, Thornton Weather

Thornton’s March 2025 preview: Temps warm considerably but snow is often abundant

The month of March in Denver is usually one that is welcomed heartily by residents. We begin to shake off the cold of winter with warmer temperatures and calmer conditions. That does not mean we are done with snow and cold by any means.

March usually offers healthy snowfall giving us an opportunity to add to our seasonal totals.  While there is good snow potential in March, the month also typically brings much warmer temperatures.

March is historically Denver’s snowiest month and brings about 20% of our annual snowfall.  Heavy, wet spring snow storms can oftentimes bring the entire month’s snowfall total in one monstrous snow.

We also start the transition to spring and severe weather season and the month typically brings our first thunderstorms of the year.  Temperatures climb throughout the month and by the end our average daytime highs are near 60 degrees.

For a complete look at what lies ahead in March 2025, click here.

Climatology, Thornton Weather

January 2025 weather recap: A very cold month with a nice dose of snow

Thornton, Colorado's January 2025 Temperature Summary. (ThorntonWeather.com)
Thornton, Colorado’s January 2025 Temperature Summary. (ThorntonWeather.com)

It is a running joke that we always see our coldest weather when the stock show is going on. For January 2025, it wasn’t just confined to that couple of weeks as we saw below normal temperatures dominate the entire month.

We started out with a few days of temperatures at or above normal then we turned colder. On the 7th of the month we saw our first snowfall of January. While only a few inches, it got us started on our way to more.

The next ten days were dry and temperatures seemed to moderate a bit. From there, we went downhill.

Two more shots of snow came on the 18th and 20th and we put together a few days of bone-chilling cold. Three days from the 18th to the 20th saw highs well below freezing and four nights with lows below zero.

The rest of the month was quiet, other than some more snow on the 25th. Half of the last ten days of the month saw below normal highs.

Average temperatures for the month in Thornton came in at an even 26.0 degrees. This was well below our 19-year running average for January of 30.4 degrees. It also put January 2025 into the books as the second coldest January over that period.

Our warmest reading of the month was the last day of it at 62 degrees. Our coldest was a -6.0 degree reading on the 19th.

Out at Denver International Airport where the Mile High City’s official readings are taken, temperatures were similar. Denver saw an average temperature for the month of 25.8 degrees. This in comparison to their long-term average for January of 31.7 degrees.

In terms of precipitation, the snow we received was dry, containing little moisture. Thornton recorded 0.30 inches, below our 0.42 inches 19-year running average.

Denver bested us on the precipitation front with 0.56 inches recorded at the airport. This was more than Denver’s long-term average for January of 0.38 inches.

As we mentioned, snowfall was generous with Thornton receiving 10.4 inches. This was well above our January average over the past 19 years of 6.6 inches.

Out at the airport, Denver saw 13.3 inches of the white stuff. That was almost exactly double the Mile High City’s long-term average for January of 6.6 inches.

Click here to view Thornton’s complete January 2025 climate summary report.

Thornton, Colorado's January 2025 Precipitation Summary. (ThorntonWeather.com)
Thornton, Colorado’s January 2025 Precipitation Summary. (ThorntonWeather.com)
Climatology, Thornton Weather

Thornton’s February 2025 weather preview: Temps begin to warm, snow can be elusive

February in Colorado typically brings to an end an extended period when average temperatures are at their lowest. Winter begins to loosen its grip and temperatures get warmer but precipitation is not a particularly common event during the month.

Thus far, our snow season has seen some ups and downs. February is only our sixth snowiest month so we can’t count on a whole lot of the white stuff.

Temperatures however do usually see a nice rebound during the month. Average high temperatures climb from an average of 44 degrees at the start to 50 degrees by the end of February.

For the complete February preview including a look at historical averages and extremes as well as a look at what long range forecasts are predicting, click here. 

Climatology, Thornton Weather

Thornton’s 2024 weather recap: A very warm year, precipitation comes in near average

Thornton, Colorado's 2024 annual temperature summary. (ThorntonWeather.com)
Thornton, Colorado’s 2024 annual temperature summary. (ThorntonWeather.com)

With the year in the rear-view mirror, we can now take a look back at Thornton’s weather for 2024. In doing so, we see that we recorded our warmest year of the past 18 years and while precipitation came in near average, most of that was seen early on.

The year started with a chill as January saw mercury readings a good bit below average for the month. However, it would end up being only one of two months during the year that didn’t see above average mercury readings.

From February through October, each month saw above average temperatures, some significantly warmer. November did, finally, see things cool down but then December came back to close out the year as the warmest December in 18 years.

Despite the warmth, we did enjoy above average precipitation for three out of the first four months of the year. Then, however, we began to see changes as seven of the next eight months all saw below average levels of precipitation.

We did have some notable weather events during the year.

In March, we saw a strong storm system produce heavy snowfall across much of the Denver metro area. Here in Thornton, we recorded a total of 10.8 inches between March 14th and 15th. Business and schools shut down and roads become quite difficult to travel. As usual, Denver’s official station way out at DIA lagged with only 5.7 inches. Click here to read the National Weather Service summary of the event.

Spring brings severe weather to the Front Range and Mother Nature delivered a doozy of a dose on May 30th. As the sun was setting, hail began to fall and grow in size, reaching from 1.5 inches to 2 1/4 inches in the north metro area including Thornton. Damage was extensive to vehicles and structures with cost estimates now expected to go over $1 billion. More from the NWS here.

As fall arrived, conditions were exceedingly dry and we waited for relief that usually comes in the form of snow. A prolonged period of it did finally arrive and from November 5th to November 9th, Thornton received 10.8 inches of the white stuff. To the south and southeast, the Palmer Divide and adjacent plains saw snowfall measuring in feet. The National Weather Service has more on this event here.

In the end Thornton saw an average annual temperature of 53.7 degrees. This is far above our 18-year running annual average of 50.8 degrees and made 2024 our warmest year during that period. Temperatures ranged from a high of 102.4 degrees on July 12th down to a low of -12.2 degrees on January 16th.

Out at Denver International Airport where the Mile High City’s official readings are taken, they recorded nearly the same. Denver’s official 2024 average came in at 53.9 degrees, well above the city’s 51.2 degrees annual average. This put 2024 in the books in a tie as the third warmest year on record in Denver.

Thornton saw precipitation levels near average with 14.56 inches being recorded during the year. This is in comparison to our 18-year running annual average of 15.27 inches. Four months had above average precipitation, eight were below.

In Denver, as measured at DIA, a precipitation total of 14.12 inches was recorded. This was close to but short of their long term annual average of 14.48 inches per year.

Click here to view Thornton’s 2024 climate report.

Thornton, Colorado's 2024 annual precipitation summary. (ThorntonWeather.com)
Thornton, Colorado’s 2024 annual precipitation summary. (ThorntonWeather.com)
Climatology, Thornton Weather

December 2024 weather recap: Thornton sees its warmest, one of its driest Decembers of the past 18 years

Thornton, Colorado's December 2024 Temperature Summary. (ThorntonWeather.com)
Thornton, Colorado’s December 2024 Temperature Summary. (ThorntonWeather.com)

Warm and dry would the operative words as we look back on December 2024’s weather. Temperatures were stubbornly mild and precipitation of any kind was scarce.

The month started as most recent months with mild and dry conditions. The first eight days saw no precipitation and temperatures well above normal. On the 9th of the month, we finally saw a break with some light snow and a couple days of below normal mercury readings.

We then returned to the persistent pattern of above normal temperatures and dry conditions for the next two weeks. On Christmas night, it wasn’t snow that arrived but rather rain, as temperatures were just too warm for the white stuff.

Dry and mild conditions then returned until New Year’s Eve when a surprise, concentrated band of snow moved through in the evening. It brought some light snow and wreaked havoc on the roadways.

Thornton’s overall average temperature for December 2024 came in at 38.3 degrees. This was far above our 18-year running average for December of 30.9 degrees. It also was our warmest December over the same period, besting last year’s 37.1 degree average.

Temperatures ranged from a maximum of 67.4 degrees on the 20th down to a low of 17.3 degrees on the 10th.  Only three days over the month saw below average high temperatures.

Out at Denver International Airport where the Mile High City’s official records are kept, it was warm as well. Their average monthly temperature came in at 39.4 degrees, well above the long term Denver average for December of 31.2 degrees. That put the month into the books as the 9th warmest December ever recorded in Denver.

Precipitation was sparse during the month to say the least. Thornton recorded 0.20 inches, most of which was the result of rain versus snow melt. That is less than half of the 0.44 inch 18-year average for December in Thornton and our third driest December over that period.

Out at the airport, Denver saw a mere 0.04 inches of precipitation in December, all of it on the last day of the month. That was well below the city’s 0.35 December average. That put December 2024 into the Denver weather books as a tie with 2004 and 1890 for the 8th driest December on record.

Snowfall was scarce as well. Thornton recorded an even 2.0 inches, most of which fell on the 31st. This was far below our 18-year December average snowfall of 8.1 inches. It was our second least snowiest December of the past 18 years.

For Denver, as measured at DIA, the month yielded 1.4 inches of the white stuff, all of which fell on the evening of New Year’s Eve. That was far below the 8.0 inch average Denver has recorded since 1882. It also put December 2024 into a tie with last year as the 18th least snowiest December on record.

Click here to view Thornton’s complete December 2024 climate summary report.

Thornton, Colorado's December 2024 Precipitation Summary. (ThorntonWeather.com)
Thornton, Colorado’s December 2024 Precipitation Summary. (ThorntonWeather.com)
Climatology, Thornton Weather

Thornton’s January 2025 preview: Cold temps, not much snow the norm

Thornton, Colorado's January Weather Preview.
Thornton, Colorado’s January Weather Preview.

As we begin the new year the winter chill begins to set in.  While January can see its share of extremes, the month historically sees stable temperatures and is usually relatively dry.

January ranks as the second coldest month in Denver next to December with average temperatures remaining virtually the same from the start to the end of the month.

In terms of snowfall, the month only ranks as the sixth snowiest and it is not uncommon for it to be quite dry.

What does January 2025 hold for us?  Follow the link to find out.

For the complete January preview including a look at historical averages and extremes, click here.