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Thornton Weather, Weather History

December 13 to December 19 – This week in Denver weather history

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December 13 to December 19 - This week in Denver weather history
December 13 to December 19 - This week in Denver weather history

December can of course be cold and that is why Chinook winds are sometimes welcomed as they bring warm air to the Front Range.  However, those winds can also cause a great deal of damage if they blow too hard and we see that in our look back at this week in Denver weather history.  Particularly notable were winds on December 14th & 15th which caused accidents, toppled power poles and fences, ripped off roofs and more. 

From the National Weather Service:

2-17 

In 1939…more than 2 weeks of unseasonably warm weather made the month the 3rd warmest on record.  Seven daily temperature records were set…including the all time record high temperature for the month of 79 degrees on the 5th.  Daytime highs were balmy with 14 days in the 60’s and 70’s.  Low temperatures dipped to freezing or below on only 5 days.  The period was dry with only a trace of snow on the 12th.

3-15 

In 1972…a protracted cold spell held an icy grip on metro Denver when maximum temperatures never reached above freezing for 10 consecutive days from the 3rd through the 12th and minimum temperatures dipped below zero on eleven consecutive days from the 5th through the 15th. Daily low temperature records were set with 15 degrees below zero on the 5th…17 degrees below zero on the 6th… And 18 degrees below zero on the 10th.  Daily record low maximum readings were set with 3 degrees on the 6th and 6 degrees on the 9th.  The very cold temperatures were caused by 3 to 5 inches of snow cover and a Canadian air mass.

9-13 

In 1961…cold arctic air produced a protracted cold period. The temperature plunged to 16 degrees below zero on the 10th…establishing a new record for the date and the coldest reading since 25 degrees below zero on February 1… 1951.  Low temperatures dipped below zero on 5 consecutive days with 9 degrees below zero on the 9th…16 below on the 10th…10 below on the 11th…and 12 below on both the 12th and 13th.  High temperatures reached only 3 degrees on the 10th and 6 degrees on the 11th.

11-13

In 1940…5.4 inches of snow fell across downtown Denver. This was the only snowfall of the month.  Temperatures were quite cold on the 13th with a high of 6 degrees and a low of 2 degrees below zero.
 
In 1984…up to 6 inches of new snow fell over metro Denver… Hampering flight operations at Stapleton International Airport where snowfall totaled 3.8 inches and east winds gusted to 25 mph on the 11th.

12-13

In 1916…snowfall totaled 5.7 inches in downtown Denver. Northeast winds were sustained to 27 mph with gusts to 28 mph on the 12th.
 
In 1992…an upslope snowstorm whitened metro Denver.  While snowfall totaled only 4.1 inches at Stapleton International Airport…7 inches of new snow fell in Morrison…with 12 inches measured in Castle Rock.  North winds gusted to 23 mph at Stapleton International Airport on the 13th.
 
In 1995…strong winds gusting to nearly 100 mph whipped across the foothills west of Denver.  The strongest wind gusts included 98 mph atop Squaw Mountain and 75 mph at the Eldora Ski Area.  West-northwest winds gusted to 41 mph at Denver International Airport on the 13th.

12-15

In 1921…downslope Chinook winds produced warm temperatures in the city…which resulted in 4 temperature records. High temperatures of 72 degrees on the 13th and 68 degrees on the 15th were record maximums for the dates.  Low temperatures of 47 degrees on both the 12th and 13th were record high minimums for the dates.  West winds were sustained to 38 mph on the 12th and to 25 mph on the 13th.

13   

In 1955…strong winds raked the foothills.  A wind gust to 72 mph was recorded at rocky flats northwest of Denver.  Some damage occurred in Boulder.  Northwest winds were sustained to speeds of 23 mph at Stapleton Airport.
 
In 1988…high winds again occurred in Boulder where winds were clocked to 66 mph.  West winds gusted to 43 mph at Stapleton International Airport.
13-14 in 1902…heavy snowfall totaled 6.4 inches in the city overnight.  North winds were sustained to 18 mph with gusts to 20 mph on the 13th.
 
Continue reading December 13 to December 19 – This week in Denver weather history →

Colorado Weather, Thornton Weather

Winter weather moves out but the bitter cold remains

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It certainly could have been a lot worse. The Mile High City escaped relatively unscathed with only minor accumulations of snow from the storm that is now moving to the east. Its lingering effects will continue to be felt overnight however.

Some blue skies are starting to be seen which is a welcome sight and the Winter Weather Advisory that was in effect has been cancelled. Temperatures however remain in the single digits across the Front Range and are below zero in the high country according to the Rocky Mountain Weather Network. With the slight breezes wind chills are easily dipping near the zero degree mark.

Overnight tonight, the mercury will continue to drop and likely enter negative numbers. The only consolation we have is that we do gradually begin to warm up tomorrow and may very well start hitting normal temperatures by Saturday.

The winter storm system that impacted Colorado struck Arizona and California before arriving here and as it travels east it will cover a widespread swath of the nation. Check out the story from the Natural Disasters Examiner for more information. Also be sure to look at the slideshow below of the winter weather.

Thornton Weather

Weather advisories issued across Colorado as another blast of cold and snow approaches

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A variety of winter weather advisories have been issued for most of Colorado. In Denver, a Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect and 4 to 8 inches of snow is expected. (NWS)
A variety of winter weather advisories had been issued for Colorado. The Winter Weather Advisory for the Front Range has been cancelled. (NWS)

Update, 1:01pm – The Winter Weather Advisory for the Front Range has been cancelled.  The snow may be gone but the bitter cold remains.  ThorntonWeather.com recorded a wind chill of -11.2°F at 10:59am!

Temperatures will warm slightly this afternoon before plunging overnight to below zero.  Stay warm! 

Update, 12/8/09, 6:50am: Bitter cold would be an accurate term to describe the weather the Mile High City is waking up to this morning. Temperatures are in the single digits across the Front Range and wind chills are dipping to zero and below.

The snow we were expecting is going to arrive but it will be slower than expected and likely not as much as original forecast. Snow showers are slowly developing to the west and moving into Denver early this morning but with the severe cold and dry atmosphere, snow is going to have a hard time really getting going.

Continue reading Weather advisories issued across Colorado as another blast of cold and snow approaches →

Thornton Weather, Weather History

December 6 to December 12 – This week in Denver weather history

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December 6 to December 12 - This week in Denver weather history
December 6 to December 12 - This week in Denver weather history

Denver and Colorado are certainly known for their varied weather conditions and as always, looking back at the weather history books highlights that.  On these dates we have seen Arctic cold and balmy temperatures in the 70’s.  We have seen hurricane force winds and even a rare December thunderstorm.  And as one would expect, there has been plenty of snow.

2-17 

In 1939…more than 2 weeks of unseasonably warm weather made the month the 3rd warmest on record.  Seven daily temperature records were set…including the all time record high temperature for the month of 79 degrees on the 5th.  Daytime highs were balmy with 14 days in the 60’s and 70’s.  Low temperatures dipped to freezing or below on only 5 days.  The period was dry with only a trace of snow on the 12th.

3-15 

In 1972…a protracted cold spell held an icy grip on metro Denver when maximum temperatures never reached above freezing for 10 consecutive days from the 3rd through the 12th and minimum temperatures dipped below zero on eleven consecutive days from the 5th through the 15th. Daily low temperature records were set with 15 degrees below zero on the 5th…17 degrees below zero on the 6th… And 18 degrees below zero on the 10th.  Daily record low maximum readings were set with 3 degrees on the 6th and 6 degrees on the 9th.  The very cold temperatures were caused by 3 to 5 inches of snow cover and a Canadian air mass.

4-6  

In 1960…heavy snowfall totaled 12.0 inches over the 3 days with 5.1 inches on the 4th…5.2 inches on the 5th…and 1.7 inches on the 6th.  Rain changed to snow early on the 4th and ended by early afternoon.  Snow started again early on the 5th and continued through midday on the 6th.  West northwest winds gusted to 30 mph on the 4th.  Post cold frontal temperatures cooled from a high of 38 degrees on the 4th to a low of 7 degrees below zero on the 6th.

5-6  

In 1883…a major snow storm hit the city.  Heavy snow fell from 10:00 am on the 5th to 7:30 am on the 6th.  The amount of snowfall was not recorded…but precipitation from melted snow totaled 1.75 inches…which would give an estimated snowfall of nearly 18 inches.  Temperatures during the storm were in the 30’s…so some of the snow May have melted as it fell.  However…railroads were blocked and telegraph lines were downed in all directions.  Telephone wires and poles were nearly all broken down.  The company manager estimated the damage at 30 thousand dollars.  Northeast winds were sustained to 24 mph in the city.
 
In 1892…heavy snow totaled 6.2 inches in downtown Denver. Most of the snow…6.0 inches…fell on the 6th.
 
In 2001…high winds developed in the foothills northwest of Denver.  Winds gusted to 74 mph at aspen springs.  West- northwest winds gusted to 35 mph at Denver International Airport…where the temperature warmed to a high of 55 degrees on the 6th.

5-7  

In 1978…a major storm dumped heavy snow across metro Denver. At Stapleton International Airport…snowfall totaled 8.5 inches…northeast winds gusted to 46 mph…and temperatures plunged from a high of 49 degrees on the 5th to a low of only 6 degrees on the 6th.  Maximum temperature of 6 degrees on the 7th was a new daily record low maximum reading.  Most of the snow…6.7 inches…fell on the 5th.

5-8  

In 1983…high winds occurred in and near the foothills each day.  Wind gusts to 63 mph were registered in Golden Gate Canyon on the evening of the 5th.  On the evening of the 6th…winds knocked down trees…snapped power lines…and blew out windows across metro Denver.  Gusts were clocked to 102 mph in southwest metro Denver…while wind gusts to 38 mph were recorded at Stapleton International Airport.  On the 7th…winds overturned a tractor trailer near Castle Rock. After midnight on the 8th…gusts to 97 mph were reported in southeast Boulder.  Wind speeds of 60 to 70 mph were reported in other parts of metro Denver.

Continue reading December 6 to December 12 – This week in Denver weather history →

Thornton Weather

Winter Weather Advisory in effect on Sunday as cold and snow settle in

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A view from Thornton as of mid-morning on Sunday. Broncos fans should be thankful that they dont have to go to a game at Invesco Field at Mile High with wind chills dipping to zero degrees!
A view from Thornton as of mid-morning on Sunday. Broncos fans should be thankful that they don't have to go to a game at Invesco Field at Mile High with wind chills dipping to zero degrees!

Updated, 12/6/09, 10:40am – The Winter Weather Advisory has been canceled.  Light snow will continue to fall through the afternoon but it is just too cold and dry to generate a bunch of snow.

Updated, 12/6/09, 10:30am – It is COLD out there! Temperatures in Thornton right now are around 14 degrees but with the breeze wind chills are approaching zero. 

The snow arrived in the Mile High City in the early morning hours and has been falling since then in varying degrees of intensity. Most roads around Denver are snowpacked and likely are pretty slick under the snow given the cold temperatures. The City of Thornton is on accident alert so if you must drive, please be careful.

Generally, we are looking at 3 to 5 inches of snow for today with flurries continuing throughout the day and into tonight. Areas close to the foothills and in the mountains will see more in the range of 6 to 8 inches. A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 8:00pm tonight.

As we discussed in our morning forecast, it is simply too cold and dry to generate a great deal of snow. The real story with the system is the bitter cold. Most stations on the Rocky Mountain Weather Network are reporting temperatures in the teens with wind chills near zero making it pretty miserable to be outside no matter where along the Front Range you are.

As always, stay tuned to ThorntonWeather.com for truly local weather for Thornton.  If you haven’t done so, be sure to follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook!  They are great ways to stay up to date with the latest weather news, forecasts and conditions!

Updated, 12/6/09, 6:05am – While being a bit slower to generate than originally thought, the snow has begun to fall along the Front Range and will continue for much of the day, particularly this morning. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued and will remain in effect until 8:00pm this evening.

The Denver metro area can expect 3 to 5 inches of snow accumulation from the system, most of which will be light and fluffy thanks to a lack of moisture and the cold temperatures. Here in Thornton we will probably be at the lighter end of that range.  We may see some periods of heavy snow before it begins to taper off this afternoon. A weak upslope will limit the highest accumulations to areas along the foothills and in the mountains.

Continue reading Winter Weather Advisory in effect on Sunday as cold and snow settle in →

Thornton Weather, Weather History

November 29 to December 5 – This week in Denver weather history

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November 29 to December 5 - This week in Denver weather history
November 29 to December 5 - This week in Denver weather history

As always, our look back at Denver’s weather history books is very eventful.  As we start to get closer to winter, we begin to see many more multi-day snow events that are notable and this week’s look is no different.  We see many major snow events and also of note are the damaging high wind events.

From the National Weather Service:

25-29

In 1985…dense fog with visibilities as low as 1/8 mile occurred on five consecutive days at Stapleton International Airport.  The fog was at times accompanied by light snow… Light freezing drizzle…or ice crystals.  Fog occurred all day on both the 26th and 29th.
28-29 in 1908…heavy snowfall overnight and for most of the day on the 29th totaled 12.5 inches.  Precipitation was 1.09 inches.  Northwest winds were sustained to 26 mph on the 29th.
 
In 1928…a major storm dumped 15.5 inches of snowfall on downtown Denver.  North winds were sustained to 18 mph with gusts to 19 mph on the 28th.
 
In 1992…an upper level storm system moved across metro Denver…but left only a dusting of snow.  Snowfall totaled only 1.6 inches at Stapleton International Airport where north winds gusted to 25 mph.  Other snow amounts included: 8 inches at Conifer…6 inches at Lake Eldora…3 inches at Rollinsville and in southeast Denver.
 
In 1997…a storm system tracking across northern New Mexico produced strong north to northeast upslope flow against the eastern slopes of the Front Range and Palmer Ridge. Snowfall totals in Jefferson County included:  14 inches near Deckers; 12 inches at Castle Rock and Sedalia; 10 inches near Conifer…11 miles southwest of Morrison…and at Buffalo Creek.  Elsewhere…snow accumulations were less. Snowfall totaled only 0.7 inch at the site of the former Stapleton International Airport on the 27th and 28th.
 
In 2004…heavy snow fell in the foothills and across metro Denver.  In the foothills…snowfall totals included:  13 inches at Roxborough State Park and Eldorado Springs… 11.5 inches near Conifer…11.0 inches near Nederland…and 10 inches near Indian Hills.  Across metro Denver snowfall totaled 14 inches near Sedalia…9 inches near Louisville… 8 inches at Ralston Reservoir…and 5.1 inches in the Stapleton area of Denver.  Northeast winds gusted to 28 mph at Denver International Airport on the 28th.
 
In 2006…a slow moving storm system brought heavy snow to the mountains and to the eastern foothills where snowfall ranged from 8 to 18 inches.  Some of the more impressive snow totals included:  18 inches at Genesee…17.5 inches near Boulder…17 inches at aspen springs…16.5 inches 10 miles northwest of Golden…15 inches at Eldorado Springs… 14.5 inches in Idaho Springs and near Jamestown…12 inches in grant and near Indian Hills…11.5 inches near Blackhawk… 11 inches at gross reservoir and Eldora…and 10.5 inches in Conifer.  Across metro Denver…storm total snowfall generally ranged from 5 to 9 inches with the heaviest amounts near the foothills in Boulder and Jefferson counties.  The most impressive totals included:  15.5 inches at Ken Caryl…12 inches in Boulder…7.5 inches near Morrison…and 7 inches near both Chatfield and Ralston reservoirs.  Snowfall totaled only 4.2 inches in the Denver Stapleton area.  Northeast winds gusted to 31 mph at Denver International Airport on the 28th.

28-30

In 1991…a winter storm dumped heavy snow in the foothills and near the Palmer Divide with 10 inches recorded at Conifer and Golden Gate Canyon…12 inches in Morrison… 6 inches at Castle Rock and Parker.  Only 3.4 inches of snow fell at Stapleton International Airport where north winds gusting to 35 mph on the 29th…produced some blowing snow.  Some light freezing drizzle also fell on the 28th and 29th.

29   

In 1877…the all-time lowest recorded minimum temperature in the month of November…18 degrees below zero…occurred. The high temperature for the day was 16 degrees.
 
In 1899…northwest winds were sustained to 51 mph with gusts as high as 60 mph.  The Chinook winds warmed the temperature to a maximum of 74 degrees…a record high for the date and the warmest of the month that year.  The minimum temperature was only 39 degrees.
 
In 1927…post-frontal rain changed to snow and totaled 5.8 inches over downtown Denver.  Northeast winds were sustained to 22 mph.
 
In 1977…85 mph winds were reported at Wondervu in the foothills southwest of Boulder.  Northwest winds gusted to 39 mph at Stapleton International Airport.
 
In 1980 strong Chinook winds reached 85 mph in Boulder… Blowing traffic signals and street lights down.  Some windows were shattered by the wind.  West winds gusted to 37 mph at Stapleton International Airport.
 
In 1994…high winds blew across the Front Range eastern foothills.  Wind gusts to 92 mph occurred atop squaw mountain…5 miles south of Idaho Springs…and to 82 mph on fritz peak near Rollinsville in the foothills southwest of Boulder.  A wind gust to 75 mph was recorded at Jefferson County airport near Broomfield.  Northwest winds gusted to only 35 mph at Stapleton International Airport. No damage was reported.

Continue reading November 29 to December 5 – This week in Denver weather history →

Thornton Weather

England sees record rainfall that brings flooding

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The normally picturesque view of England’s Lake District saw itself become the scene of a rescue operation as helicopters and lifeboats plucked hundreds residents and brought them to safety. The area recorded the most rainfall ever recorded in the nation and the weather was responsible for the death of a local constable.

Widespread heavy rain across England and Ireland caused flooding that brought floods as deep as eight feet and engorged rivers that brought down bridges. England set a national rainfall record when 12.3 inches of rain fell in just 24 hours last week at Seathwaite Farm according to Britain’s Met Office.

In the town of Cockermouth, officials estimate 1,000 homes were flooded and more than 200 people were rescued. Local emergency responders and British soldiers conducted house to house searches to extract those struck by the floods. The town, 300 miles northwest of London, is at the confluence of the Cocker and Derwent rivers and is the birthplaces of poet William Woodsworth.

There's more to this story on the Denver Weather Examiner's site!For the rest of the story including details on Irelands flooding and the amazing photos from the events, visit the Natural Disasters Examiner.

Thornton Weather

November 22 to November 28 – This week in Denver weather history

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November 22 to November 28 - This week in Denver weather history
November 22 to November 28 - This week in Denver weather history

This time period in November has been exceedingly eventful throughout Denver weather history.  Notable as usual are big wind events that have caused damage and injuries.  Snow of course is also quite present, including the Thanksgiving blizzard of 1983 which dumped an astounding 21.5 inches of snow on the Mile High City. 

From the National Weather Service:

21-22

In 1905…a trace of snow fell on both days in downtown Denver.  This was the only snow of the month…ranking the month along with other Novembers…the 2nd least snowiest on record.
 
In 1999…the first significant snowfall of the season struck metro Denver.  Snowfall totals included:  16 inches near bailey; 13 inches near evergreen; 12 inches at north turkey creek…Genesee…near Morrison…and near Sedalia; 11 inches near Conifer and in evergreen; 10 inches in Louisville; 9 inches in Brighton…Broomfield…and Denver; and 8 inches at Arvada…Castle Rock…and Eldorado Springs.  Snowfall totaled 8.4 inches at the site of the former Stapleton International Airport.
 
In 2003…heavy snow fell in and near the foothills of Boulder County.  Snowfall totaled 10.5 inches in Eldorado Springs. Across the city…snowfall was lighter with 2.8 inches measured at the site of the former Stapleton International Airport on the 22nd.  North winds gusted to 32 mph at Denver International Airport on the 22nd.

21-23

In 1918…post-frontal snowfall totaled 5.9 inches in downtown Denver.  Most of the snow…5.3 inches…fell on the 22nd. North winds were sustained to 20 mph on the 21st.
 
In 1931…a major storm dumped a total of 13.2 inches of snowfall over downtown Denver.  Most of the snow…11.4 inches…fell on the 21st.  A very cold air mass settled over the city after the heavy snow on the 21st.  After a low temperature of zero…the temperature climbed to a high of only 5 degrees on the 22nd…a record low maximum for the date.

21-25

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

22

In 1977…101 mph winds were measured in southwest Boulder. The side of a garage was blown down.  West winds gusted to only 33 mph at Stapleton International Airport.
 
In 1981…high winds occurred in the foothills.  A peak gust to 75 mph was reported at Wondervu.  West winds gusted to 23 mph at Stapleton International Airport.
 
In 1988…a wind gust to 88 mph was measured at Rollinsville.
 
In 1990…strong west to northwest winds…on the coat tails of a mountain snow storm the day before…lashed out at portions of the eastern foothills with 60 to 95 mph wind gusts.  The strong winds spread over all of metro Denver. A west wind gust to 49 mph was recorded at Stapleton International Airport.

Continue reading November 22 to November 28 – This week in Denver weather history →

Colorado Weather, Thornton Weather

November 15 to November 21 – This week in Denver weather history

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November 15 to November 21 - This week in Denver weather history
November 15 to November 21 - This week in Denver weather history

Any week in Denver weather history is filled with numerous notable weather events and this week is no different.  We have everything from major snowstorms to damaging winds and much more.  However, one item is particularly notable and historic.  It was on the 20th of November in 1871 that the first, official weather observation took place in Denver.  Henry Fenton, Observer Sergeant of the United States Army Signal Service, made the report at 5:43 am.  The office was located on the 2nd floor of a building at the corner of Larimer and G Streets, now 16th Street.  Scroll down to see what the report said.

From the National Weather Service: 

From the 12th to the 15th:

In 1909…light snowfall totaled 6.7 inches in downtown Denver over the 4 days.  This was the first measurable snowfall of the season.  Northeast winds were sustained to 15 mph on the 12th.

From the 14th to the 15th:

In 1917…overnight rainfall was 0.03 inch.  This was the only measurable precipitation of the month…making it the 5th driest November on record.
 
In 1985…3 to 6 inches of snow fell across metro Denver. Snowfall totaled 3.8 inches at Stapleton International Airport where northeast winds gusted to only 13 mph.
 
In 2005…a winter storm that brought heavy snow to the mountains also spread heavy snow into the foothills to the west of Denver.  Snowfall totals included:  14 inches at aspen springs…13 inches near Pinecliffe…and 12 inches near Nederland.  Interstate 70 along with U.S. Highway 40 had to be closed near Idaho Springs due to snow…poor visibility in blowing snow…numerous accidents…and an increased avalanche danger.  High winds were recorded in the foothills on the 14th.  Winds gusted to 89 mph at Georgetown and to 91 mph on Sugarloaf Mountain west of Boulder.  Strong microburst winds associated with a dissipating rain shower gusted to 61 mph at Denver International Airport on the 14th.

From the 14th to the 18th: 

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.

On the 15th:

In 1902…4.0 inches of snow fell over downtown Denver. This was the only measurable snow of the month. Northeast winds were sustained to 18 mph with gusts to 20 mph.
 
In 1906…strong winds howled and roared across Boulder… Causing several thousand dollars in damage.  The strong winds caused one fatality and minor injuries to others. West winds were sustained to 46 mph in downtown Denver where the strong Chinook winds warmed the temperature to a high of 74 degrees.
 
In 1944…the low temperature dipped to 32 degrees.  This is the latest date of the first freeze in Denver.
 
In 1949…a trace of rain fell.  Another trace of rain on the 11th was the only precipitation of the month…making the month one of the driest Novembers on record and the least snowiest with no snow.  This was the first November since 1882 without snow.
 
In 1960…strong winds caused 2 thousand dollars damage to a new school building in Boulder where wind gusts were estimated to 70 mph.  Wind gusts to 40 mph were recorded in downtown Denver.  Damage occurred to utility lines…signs… And trees.  Northwest winds gusted to 44 mph at Stapleton Airport.
 
In 1986…strong Chinook winds howled over the Front Range foothills.  The highest wind gust…81 mph…was recorded at Table Mesa in Boulder.  West winds gusted to 31 mph at Stapleton International Airport.
 
In 1987…the first measurable snow of the season was also a major snowstorm.  The snow combined with strong winds to close I-70 east of Denver and I-25 to Colorado Springs. Snow accumulations ranged from 6 to 9 inches across metro Denver with 10 to 20 inches in the foothills.  At Stapleton International Airport…6.1 inches of snow fell and north winds gusted to 47 mph reducing the visibility to as low as 1/8 mile in heavy snow.  Strong north winds at 20 to 30 mph with frequent gusts to 40 mph and temperatures hovering around 30 degrees plunged wind chill temperatures to 5 below zero.
 
In 1988…the season’s first snow storm hit metro Denver. The storm dumped 2 to 5 inches of snow…which caused numerous traffic snarls and accidents.  North wind gusts to 43 mph caused some blowing snow.  Snowfall totaled 2.5 inches at Stapleton International Airport.  This was the latest first snow of the season.  No traces of snow had occurred earlier in the season.

Continue reading November 15 to November 21 – This week in Denver weather history →

Thornton Weather

First of two storm systems arrives in Thornton as the snow starts falling

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A live view of ThorntonWeather.coms east facing webcam.
A live view of ThorntonWeather.com's east facing webcam.

With snow having been falling in the mountains west of Denver much of the day and it now arriving in the metro area, all eyes are focused on two storm systems set to impact Colorado in a span of 48 hours.  The storms have the makings to be a major winter weather event.

The first system is starting to affect the Denver area late this afternoon.  Temperatures have begun to drop and most of the precipitation that is falling is coming down as snow.  This will continue this evening through about midnight with the snow possibly becoming heavy at times as snow bands move through.  Overnight there will be a lingering slight chance for continued snow but for the most part the period will be a lull between storms.  Between 1 and 4 inches can be expected in the metro area before dawn tomorrow. 

The second and more potent system arrives tomorrow and that has caused a Winter Storm Watch to be issued that is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon.  The watch area stretches from south of Pueblo, through the Denver area and to the Wyoming border. 

Continue reading First of two storm systems arrives in Thornton as the snow starts falling →