Category Archives: Thornton Weather

Colorado Weather, Thornton Weather

Denver sets new record high temperature for March 30th

Leave a comment
Denver set a new high temperature record for today, breaking a 131 year old record.
Denver set a new high temperature record for today, breaking a 131 year old record.

Following on last week’s wintry blast, residents of the Mile High City were anxious for spring-like weather and they received it today. Denver has officially set a new record high temperature for the date breaking a 131 year old record.

The National Weather Service reported that at 3:32pm the mercury reached 82 degrees at the official measuring station at Denver International Airport (DIA). This breaks the previous record of 81 degrees set in 1879. The service noted that Rutherford B. Hayes was our 19th president at the time.

Here at ThorntonWeather.com, we reached a high of 81.7 degrees at 4:01pm.

Denver’s newest National Weather Service station at Denver City Park recorded a high temperature today of 81 degrees. Many believe this station is the one that should be the official reporting station for the city as the station at DIA has been shown to be skewing Denver’s climate records.

Other area stations reported similarly warm temperatures. Longmont reached a high temperature of 83 degrees breaking its old record of 81 degrees set in 1986. On the Rocky Mountain Weather Network,  Arvada reached 84 degrees, north Denver 83 degrees, Littleton 81 degrees and Broomfield 83 degrees.

Colorado Weather, Thornton Weather

ThorntonWeather.com webcams capture time lapse video of snowstorm

Leave a comment
March 24, 2010 - Early morning look as the snowstorm comes to an end.
March 24, 2010 - Early morning look as the snowstorm comes to an end.

Colorado was slammed with an early spring snowstorm on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 that left the Mile High City buried in a blanket of white. Widespread poweroutages were reported, the evening commute was a mess and residents worked to dig themselves out from the heavy, wet snow. 

Across the nation there are thousands of Personal Weather Stations (PWS) that are owned and operated by weather enthusiasts.  These stations provide valuable services to their communities and their data is oftentimes used by local news media and even the National Weather Service. 

You can find many of these stations on the Rocky Mountain Weather Network.

ThorntonWeather.com is proud to be one of these stations providing local weather to residents of the City of Thornton.  Our site has become extremely popular as we are the most comprehensive source for Thornton weather.

Our webcams followed the storm as it arrived in Thornton on Tuesday and below is a time lapse video from the east camera.  The day starts out relatively nice with temperatures in the 40’s but by late afternoon, the video shows conditions deteriorating rapidly.

Colorado Weather, Thornton Weather

Snowstorm slams Thornton wreaking havoc along the way

Leave a comment
An image taken from ThorntonWeather.com's east camera at the height of the storm on Tuesday.
An image taken from ThorntonWeather.com's east camera at the height of the storm on Tuesday.

Update, 3:25pm: With many businesses and schools closed for the day, Thornton residents have spent the day digging out from a snowstorm that officially dumped 10 inches of snow in Denver. Areas to the west in the foothills and the south along the Palmer Divide had 18 inches or more while ThorntonWeather.com recorded 8.9 inches.  Click here to view the latest snowfall reports.

This latest snowfall puts Denver at 12.0 inches of snow for the month as measured at the official station at Denver International Airport. That is slightly above the March average of 11.7 inches. For the season, Denver has recorded 58.0 inches which is fast approaching the average of 61.7 inches.

As in the past, questions continue to dog the weather measurements at DIA however as they don’t reflect what most of the population of Denver actually sees. The accuracy of the measurements also is questionable as yesterday DIA recorded 0.61 inch of precipitation – far below what was likely received between the rain and snow melt.

Out at DIA, operations are slowly getting back to normal after scores of flights had been canceled due to the weather. At one point the FAA imposed a hold on arriving flights so the airport could catch up on departures. Many flights had been delayed while waiting for deicing and snow removal operations.

Xcel Energy continues to try to work to restore power to all of its customers after up to 36,000 lost electricity. The power company’s website still lists hundreds of outages affecting thousands of customers, including many in Thornton.

As always, stay tuned to ThorntonWeather.com for truly local weather for Thornton. 

You can also signup to receive the latest weather alerts and forecasts via email here.

Continue reading Snowstorm slams Thornton wreaking havoc along the way →

Thornton Weather

Here we snow again – Winter Storm Warning issued for Thornton

Leave a comment

Current weather warnings for northern Colorado. A Winter Storm Warning will go into effect for the Front Range including Thornton at 3:00pm Tuesday afternoon. (NWS)
Current weather warnings for northern Colorado. A Winter Storm Warning will go into effect for the Front Range including Thornton at 3:00pm Tuesday afternoon. (NWS)

Update, 7:10pm:  Thornton is in full winter storm mode now.  Wet, heavy snowfall is being seen across the Front Range and it is far from over.  Many areas are reporting more than 5 inches of snowfall so far with some as high as nine inches.  Here at ThorntonWeather.com we are up to 5.2 inches and counting!

Thundersnow was reported at the outset of the storm and Parker Examiner Melody Jones reports it is continuing in her area.  It is a phenomena that many folks may not be familiar with but not all that unusal. 

The snow is falling at rates up to 3 inches per hour and has covered many roads, particularly those in the northern, western and eastern parts of the city.  Strong winds are driving the snow creating some drifting and limiting visibility. 

Forecast total snow amounts have increased to the 8 to 16 inch range for the Denver metropolitan area.  The foothills and Palmer Divide could see amounts approaching 2 feet. 

Heavy snowfall will continue through the night and hazardous conditions will persist.  All residents should avoid travel if at all possible.  If you must go out, be sure to carry emergency supplies with you.

At Denver International Airport is reporting significant delays with some arriving and departing flights however airlines currently are not reporting any widespread cancellations.  Air travelers should check with their airlines before going to DIA.

As always, stay tuned to ThorntonWeather.com for truly local weather for Thornton. 

You can also signup to receive the latest weather alerts and forecasts via email here.

Continue reading Here we snow again – Winter Storm Warning issued for Thornton →

Thornton Weather, Weather History

March 21 to March 27 – This week in Denver weather history

Leave a comment
March 21 to March 27 - This week in Denver weather history
March 21 to March 27 - This week in Denver weather history

This may be the first full week of spring officially but as any longtime Colorado resident will tell you, spring-like weather is not a given this time of year.  As we look back at this week in Denver weather history, it is very clear that oftentimes Old Man Winter insists on hanging around for a bit longer.

18-21

In 1907…a warm spell resulted in 6 daily temperature records.  Record maximum temperatures of 82 degrees occurred on the 18th with 81 degrees on the 19th and 80 degrees on the 20th.  Record high minimum temperatures of 52 degrees occurred on the 19th and 20th with 54 degrees on the 21st.

19-21

In 1888…heavy snowfall totaled 8.6 inches over downtown Denver.  North winds were sustained to 27 mph on the 19th.

20-21

In 1878…warm days with high temperatures in the lower 70’s in the city…caused snow to melt on the palmer divide…which caused the waters in Cherry Creek to rise. The high…rapid running water damaged a home and eroded bridge footings and abutments.  Some bridges became unsafe for the passage of trains.
 
In 1904…southwest winds sustained to 48 mph with gusts to 60 mph warmed the temperature to a high of 68 degrees on the 20th.  The high was only 42 degrees on the 21st behind a cold front…which produced 1.3 inches of snow and northeast winds sustained to 27 mph overnight.
 
In 1923…post-frontal rain changed to heavy snow and totaled 8.2 inches over the city.  North winds were sustained to 27 mph with gusts to 29 mph on the 20th. This was the second major snow in a week.
 
In 1932…rain changed to heavy snow…which totaled 6.2 inches in downtown Denver.  North winds gusted to 22 mph on the 21st.
 
In 1948…heavy snowfall totaled 7.2 inches over downtown Denver.
 
In 1952…a major snow storm produced north wind gusts to 35 mph and dumped 16.9 inches of snowfall on Stapleton Airport.  The maximum snow depth on the ground was 13 inches due to melting.
 
In 2000…heavy snow fell in and near the foothills of Douglas and Jefferson counties.  Snowfall totals included:  9 inches near tiny town and 7 inches in Littleton.  Snowfall totaled only 1.8 inches at the site of the former Stapleton International Airport. North winds gusted to 34 mph at Denver International Airport on the 20th.

20-22

In 1944…heavy snow fell over metro Denver for a total of 36 hours.  The storm dumped 18.5 inches of snowfall over downtown Denver and 12.2 inches at Stapleton Airport. Fortunately…there were no strong winds with the storm. North winds to only 19 mph were recorded on the 21st.

21

In 1898…an apparent Canadian cold front produced strong winds and plunged temperatures from a high of 56 degrees to a low of 8 degrees late in the day.  North winds were sustained to 48 mph with gusts to 60 mph.
 
In 1908…light snowfall of 1.3 inches produced 0.10 inch of precipitation.  This…along with the 0.01 inch of precipitation on the 8th…resulted in the driest March on record with a total of 0.11 inch of precipitation.
 
In 1916…southwest winds were sustained to 46 mph with a gust to 48 mph.  The Chinook winds warmed the temperature to a high of 62 degrees.
 
In 1923…heavy snowfall totaled 8.0 inches in downtown Denver.
 
In 1953…northwest winds gusting to 57 mph briefly reduced visibility to 3/4 miles in blowing dust at Stapleton Airport.
 
In 1981…rain changed rapidly to snow…but totaled only 2.8 inches at Stapleton International Airport.  North winds gusting to 35 mph produced much blowing snow and reduced the visibility to a half mile at times.  Over the higher elevations of south metro Denver…4 to 6 inches of snow were measured.

Continue reading March 21 to March 27 – This week in Denver weather history →

Thornton Weather

After one last shot from Old Man Winter, Thornton clears up

1 Comment
Thornton's weather forecast for Saturday, March 20, 2010
Sunny skies return to Thornton but temperatures remain cool.

Old Man Winter didn’t go down without a fight yesterday as he closed out Thornton’s last day of winter with a snowstorm. Today we look to start to bounce back on the first day of spring although temperatures will remain chilly.

Yesterday’s snowstorm dumped anywhere from 5 inches of snow on the eastern suburbs to well over a foot in the foothills (click here for the snowfall reports). Here at ThorntonWeather.com we recorded 5.2 inches.  March is Denver’s snowiest month with an average of 11.7 inches.  There may be more to come!

Roadways at lower elevations were mostly wet while in the high country, accidents forced the closure of some highways and chain laws were in effect. Get the latest Colorado & Denver road report here.

Today we will start out the weekend with lingering cold temperatures although we will see the return of some sun. Highs will be in the mid-30’s under mostly sunny skies as the storm system moves toward the east.

Sunday we continue to bounce back and will start to make short work of melting that fresh snow. Sunny skies will be overhead and high temperatures will be in the low to mid-50’s.

As we enter the next workweek, high pressure over the region continues the warming trend. Highs on Monday will be in the low to mid-60’s with mostly sunny skies.

Tuesday and into Wednesday another storm system has the potential to impact the Front Range although right now it isn’t looking to be as significant we the one yesterday. Tuesday’s temperatures should reach the mid-50’s but there will be a slight chance for rain showers. Overnight Tuesday and lasting into Wednesday there is a chance we could see some snow again.

The latter part of the week we will be a bit cooler than normal but still should have pretty nice days on tap for Thursday and Friday.

Colorado Weather, Thornton Weather

Winter storm arrives in Colorado; Heavy snow expected in Thornton

Leave a comment
Weather warnings in effect as of Friday morning. (NWS)
Weather warnings in effect as of Friday morning. (NWS)

Update, 3:50pm: The snow keeps flying and the wind keeps blowing! Just about the time you think the snow is going to ease up Old Man Winter lets it fly yet again.

How cold and wet is it?  It is cold and wet enough to have frozen our anemometer (wind sensor).  So if you are wondering why we aren’t registering any wind, you know why!  🙂 

Snow continues to fall across much of the Front Range but it is heaviest in and near the foothills. A quick sampling of storm reports shows Thornton has recorded 4.5 inches, Arvada 6.0 inches and Boulder 9.4 inches. Click here for the complete listing of snowfall reports.

We are looking for the snow to gradually decrease from north to south. However, until it does this evening we will see periods of moderate to heavy snowfall. Total accumulations by the time the storm ends around midnight will range from a few inches out by DIA to 5 to 10 inches closer to town and 7 to 14 inches near the foothills.

The winds are picking up a bit this afternoon as well and that is creating blowing and drifting snow. Visibility may be limited on the roadways so please use caution. Most main roadways continue to be everything from wet to slushy but periods of heavy snow coupled with wind may cause conditions to deteriorate.

The Winter Storm Warning will continue to be in effect until midnight tonight.  Remember that a Winter Storm Warning means hazardous winter weather conditions are imminent or highly likely. Significant snow accumulations are occurring or expected. This will make travel very hazardous.

As always, stay tuned to ThorntonWeather.com for truly local weather for Thornton. 

You can also signup to receive the latest weather alerts and forecasts via email here.

Continue reading Winter storm arrives in Colorado; Heavy snow expected in Thornton →

Colorado Weather, Thornton Weather

Out like a lion – Major snowstorm to close out winter

Leave a comment
Weather warnings for northeastern Colorado. A Winter Storm Warning will go into effect for Denver at midnight Thursday. (NWS)
Weather warnings for northeastern Colorado. A Winter Storm Warning will go into effect for Thornton at midnight Thursday. (NWS)

Tomorrow is the last official day of winter and Mother Nature is set to ensure the season goes out like a lion. A major winter storm will arrive over Colorado tonight and bring bitter cold and significant snowfall to Denver.

The storm system we have been watching all week has begun to move down from the Pacific Northwest and will be joined with a cold front from the north. A scattered mix of rain and snow will kick things off to the north this evening before moving south along the Front Range. That will then transition to all snow after midnight at which point snowfall rates will begin to pick up.

Tomorrow’s rush hours are sure to become a miserable mess for commuters and drivers should exercise caution. Heavy snow is likely during the early morning hours and it will last throughout the daytime.

Snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches is possible with the highest amounts to the west. Most of the Denver metro area will be looking at 5 to 9 inches total accumulation between tonight and Saturday morning. See the forecast snow total map below.

Continue reading Out like a lion – Major snowstorm to close out winter →

Thornton Weather

Winter Storm Watch issued for Thornton for Friday as snowstorm approaches

Leave a comment
Weather warning map
A Winter Storm Watch will be in effect for Thornton and the Front Range starting Thursday night. From 5 to 10 inches of snow is possible before Saturday morning. (NWS)

Friday is the last full day of winter and it appears the season if going to go out like a lion. A powerful system coming from the Pacific Northwest is going to bring a major change in the weather with significant snowfall for the entire Front Range.

We have been discussing the potential for this storm in our daily forecasts on Examiner.com all week. Denver will still enjoy one more day of unseasonable warm temperatures but as longtime residents know, the weather here can change on a dime and that looks to happen Thursday night.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Watch which goes into effect late Thursday night and lasts through Friday evening. Snow is expected to start after midnight and unfortunately for commuters it should be at its height by Friday morning at rush hour.

In their statement the NWS warns of “a significant change to harsh winter weather conditions” and that is what this system is going to bring. Temperatures are going to plummet nearly 40 degrees from the temperatures today and what is forecast for tomorrow. Highs on Friday will only be around 30 degrees.

In terms of snowfall, an inch or two will have fallen by Friday morning and then it will continue throughout the day and into the evening. Total snow accumulations for the Denver area could amount to 5 to 10 inches by Saturday morning. Higher amounts in the foothills and along the Palmer Divide are expected.

Continue reading Winter Storm Watch issued for Thornton for Friday as snowstorm approaches →

Thornton Weather

Two days of warmth followed by a return to winter conditions

Leave a comment
Winter weather tree
We will enjoy a couple of days of spring-like temperatures but winter weather looks to make a comeback on Friday. (Image courtesy Shannon Vermilye)

With only three days of winter left, Thornton is looking to have its warmest day of the year thus far on St. Patrick’s Day. We will enjoy those warm temperatures today and tomorrow but Friday brings big change in temperatures and the chance for significant snowfall.

For Wednesday, there will be sunny skies across the Front Range and that will help to warm the Mile High City to temperatures nearly 15 degrees above normal. Highs today look to be in the upper 60’s and will likely mark the warmest day of the year thus far.

Thursday we will enjoy one more day of unseasonably warm weather. There will be a few clouds starting to intrude and highs will be in the mid to upper 60’s.

The big weather day in the forecast we are watching is Friday and winter looks like it may go out as a lion. A significant storm system is now getting organized and will begin to move from the Pacific Northwest and arrive in the state Thursday night and into Friday morning. This system is bringing with it plenty of cold air but also a lot of moisture. Highs of Friday may not even reach the freezing mark – almost a 40 degree drop from what is expected Thursday.

Overnight Thursday there will be a chance for snow and the timing of this system may shift a bit but right now but it looks like starting around 6:00am Friday is when it really gets spooled up. How much of the precipitation falls as rain and how much as snow is going to depend greatly on the temperatures.

As it stands, it looks like there should be plenty of cold air to make most of it fall as snow. Assuming so, Thornton may be looking at getting one of its biggest snowstorms of the year. This early it is tough to put a number on the snowfall but preliminary indications are that the mountains and foothills could receive a foot of snow and up to 10 inches is possible along the Palmer Divide.

Continue reading Two days of warmth followed by a return to winter conditions →