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)
Weather History

February 2 to February 8: This Week in Denver Weather History

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This Week in Denver Weather History

February is typically a relatively calm month with warming temperatures and not a lot of snow. As our look back at this week in Denver weather history clearly shows, that does not mean extremes of damaging wind, bitter cold and heavy snowfall can’t occur.

From the National Weather Service:

30-7

In 1985…a cold front on the 29th produced a protracted cold spell as arctic air remained entrenched across metro Denver. While the only daily temperature record set was a low maximum reading of 2 degrees on February 3rd…minimum temperatures plunged well below zero on 9 consecutive days. The coldest readings were 15 degrees below zero on January 31st and 14 degrees below zero on February 5th.

31-8

In 1963…warm weather that began with the strong Chinook winds on the 31st and 1st continued through the 8th. Maximum temperatures through the period ranged from 52 degrees on the 2nd to 76 degrees on the 5th…which was a new record high for that date.

31-12

In 1899…a protracted cold spell lasted almost two weeks. Low temperatures plunged below zero on all days but February 9th with a reading of 6 degrees. The coldest low temperature of 22 degrees below zero on February 6th was a record low for the date. Low temperatures of 20 degrees below zero occurred on both February 11th and 12th… But only the 11th remains as the record minimum for the date. High temperature of only 5 degrees below zero on February 11th was a record low maximum for the date. High temperatures climbed to only zero degrees on both February 2nd and 3rd…but were not records. Intermittent light snow or flurries fell during the period. The most snowfall…2.0 inches…occurred on February 2nd.

1-2

In 1934…light Chinook winds warmed temperatures to record levels on both days. Record maximum temperatures reached 73 degrees on the 1st and 74 degrees on the 2nd. West winds were sustained to 18 mph on the 1st.

In 2016…a slow moving storm system produced a deep east to northeasterly upslope flow late in the afternoon of the 1st. Moderate to heavy snowfall continued through the evening across the rest of Front Range Mountains…Foothills and adjacent plains. Extensive blowing and drifting snow occurred along the Palmer Divide and adjacent plains. Snowdrifts 3 to 6 ft deep were observed. Numerous roads and highways were closed east of the I-25 overnight…including I-70 and I-76…as the roadways became impassable. The road closures continued through the morning of the 2nd as bands of light to moderate snow…with gusty winds to 35 mph persisted. The roads were reopened the afternoon of the 2nd. At Denver International Airport…480 flights were cancelled on the 1st and an additional 125 flights on the 2nd. The official snowfall measurement at Denver International Airport was 11.6 inches…which set a new record for greatest snowfall for the first two days of February. In the mountains and foothills…storm totals included: 25 inches near Eldorado Springs…24 inches at Genesee and 12.5 miles northwest of Golden…22.5 inches near Nederland…21 inches near Pinecliffe…16.5 inches near Brookvale…14 inches at Intercanyon…13 inches near Berthoud…Echo Mountain and Tiny Town; 12 inches near Conifer and Eldora Ski Area…11 inches at Roxborough State Park…9.5 inches near Golden…9 inches near Bergen Park and Strontia Springs Dam…and 8 inches near Black Hawk. Across the I-25 Corridor…storm totals included: 19.5 inches near Parker…15 inches near Loveland…14.5 inches near Louisville…14 inches in Arvada and Ken Caryl…13 inches near Federal Heights…Northglenn and Ralston Reservoir; 12 inches in Broomfield…near Buckley AFB…Castle Rock…Erie and Highlands Ranch; 11.5 inches near Westminster…11 inches in southeast Denver…north Longmont…Lafayette and Mead; 10 inches near Aurora… Franktown and Wheat Ridge; 9.5 inches in Thornton…and 9 inches at Frederick.

In 2017…widespread freezing drizzle contributed to numerous road closures and accidents across the Denver area and adjacent plains. Several crashes were reported on Interstate 25…and several cities and counties went on accident alert. Up to 32 delays at Denver International Airport. Numerous school delay openings and some school and business closures were reported over northeast Colorado.

1-3

In 1996…cold arctic air plunged temperatures below zero for more than 35 consecutive hours from late on the 1st until sunrise on the 3rd. The temperature warmed to only 1 degree below zero on the 2nd after a record low of 16 degrees below zero.

1-4

In 2011…a frigid arctic airmass settled into Front Range urban corridor. At Denver International Airport… Overnight low temperatures…from the 1st to the 3rd… Were 13 below zero…17 below zero and zero respectively. The icy temperatures caused pipes to crack and burst following the freeze. In Loveland…firefighters responded to more than a dozen water pipe breaks…most in fire sprinkler systems at businesses…apartments and assisted care facilities. At CU Earth Science Library in Boulder…more than 1000 books and several costumes for an upcoming production were damaged. At the County courts administration building in Jefferson County…a steady stream of water from a crack on the 5th floor… Went unnoticed on the 3rd and flooded all the floors of the administration wing overnight. As a result…much of the office equipment…furniture and carpet sustained water damage. A burst sprinkler line caused minor damage at the Platte Valley Medical Center in Brighton. The icy temperatures forced to closure of several school districts as well.

1-5

In 1985…the most bitter cold spell of the winter season brought sub-zero temperatures to metro Denver. Daily low temperature records were broken at Denver. The usual cold weather problems struck including stalled vehicles…jammed traffic lights…and frozen water and sewer lines. At Stapleton International Airport…the high temperature was only 2 degrees above zero on the 1st…setting a record low maximum for the date. Low temperatures reached 13 below zero on the 1st…12 below on the third…and 14 below on the 5th.

1-6

In 1989…one of the century’s worst doses of winter weather ravaged the entire state. Bitterly frigid weather moved into metro Denver on the 1st as snow buried many sections of the state. In metro Denver where 3 to 6 inches of snow fell…blowing snow and resultant poor visibilities caused a 46-car pile-up on I-25 in the middle of the city on the 4th. During the period…2 to 3 hour delays were common at Stapleton International Airport where snowfall from the storm totaled 4.3 inches and northeast winds gusted to 30 mph on the 1st. Intense cold accompanied the storm. Temperatures in Denver stayed below zero continuously for the best part of 3 days (3rd…4th…5th)…for a total of 69 hours. This is the fourth longest sub-zero period on record. Wind chill temperatures reached 50 degrees below zero. The mercury dipped to 24 degrees below zero on the 5th…setting a record for the date. This was the city’s coldest temperature in over 26 years. Low temperatures dipped below zero on 8 consecutive days (2nd-9th). High temperature of 9 degrees below zero on the 4th was a record low maximum for the date…as was the high of 5 degrees on the 5th. Extensive damage occurred when pipes and water lines froze and broke. Thousands of cars failed to start. On the 3rd…a 57-year-old woman died of hypothermia in an Arvada park. Eighteen high school students were treated for hypothermia after a 2-hour ride through Jefferson County in an unheated bus. At least 2 cases of frostbite were reported; there were undoubtedly many more.

1-9

In 1883…a protracted cold period occurred when low temperatures dipped below zero for 9 consecutive days. Low temperatures ranged from 22 degrees below zero on the 4th to 2 degrees below zero on the 1st and 6th. High temperatures ranged from 10 below zero on the 3rd to 23 on the 9th. Several temperature records were set that still stand today. Record lows of 18 below and 22 below zero occurred on the 3rd and 4th. Record low maximum readings of 2 below and 10 below zero occurred on the 2nd and 3rd. The high of only 10 below zero on the 3rd is the coldest maximum temperature ever recorded in Denver.

Continue reading February 2 to February 8: This Week in Denver Weather History →

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. 

Photography, Thornton Weather

January 2025 top shots: Monthly photo slideshow

Hoarfrost coats the foliage as January 2025 begins. (David Canfield)
Hoarfrost coats the foliage as January 2025 begins. (David Canfield)

As one of our coldest months, January can be a good month to hibernate inside and avoid the outdoors.  But, like any month in Colorado, photo opportunities abound as our monthly slideshow demonstrates.

Snow is not normally dominant in the month but when it does fall, it can create a beautiful blanket of white.  Throw in the amazing sunrises and sunsets we receive in the middle of winter as well as wildlife and a host of other subjects and the imagery can be quite beautiful and stunning.

  • Slideshow updated January 31, 2025
  • To learn more about how to send your photo to us for inclusion in the slideshow, see below the slideshow.

Showcasing images captured by ThorntonWeather.com readers as well as some of our own, our monthly slideshow covers the entire gamut of weather-related imagery.

Sunsets, sunrises, wildlife and of course every type of weather condition are vividly depicted in images captured from yours and our cameras.

What is missing in the slideshow above?  Your photo!

Our monthly photo slideshow is going to feature images that we have taken but more importantly images that you have captured.  The photos can be of anything even remotely weather-related.

Landscapes, current conditions, wildlife, pets, kids.  Whimsical, newsy, artsy.  Taken at the zoo, some other area attraction, a local park, a national park or your backyard.  You name it, we want to see and share it!

Images can be taken in Thornton, Denver or anywhere across the extraordinary Centennial State.  We’ll even take some from out of state if we can tie it to Colorado somehow.

We’ll keep the criteria very open to interpretation with just about any image eligible to be shown in our slideshows.

What do you win for having your image in our slideshow?  We are just a ‘mom and pop’ outfit and make no money from our site so we really don’t have the means to provide prizes.  However you will have our undying gratitude and the satisfaction that your images are shared on the most popular website in Thornton.

To share you images with us and get them included in the slideshow just email them to us or share them with ThorntonWeather.com on any of the various social media outlets.  Links are provided below.

So come on, get those camera’s rolling!

Weather History

January 26 to February 1: This Week in Denver Weather History

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This Week in Denver Weather History

As January comes to a close and February begins extreme weather continues to be possible. As we see in our look at this week in Denver weather history, damaging wind, bitter cold and snow have oftentimes wreaked havoc on the Front Range.

From the National Weather Service:

22-26

In 1948…the longest period of snowfall on record (92 hours and 3 minutes) occurred in downtown Denver where a total of 13.6 inches of snow fell. At Stapleton Airport…19.0 inches of snow fell…making it the heaviest snow in January and the 5th heaviest snow of record at that time. North winds were sustained to a velocity of 23 mph on the 25th…but generally the winds were light throughout the storm. The snow disrupted traffic…but street clearing was begun soon after it became apparent that the snow would be heavy. Over the 5 days…temperatures ranged from a high of 48 degrees on the 22nd to a low of 1 degree on the 26th. Most readings were in the teens and 20’s during the storm.

24-26

In 1970…a wind gust to 122 mph was recorded at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder on the 24th. Winds also gusted to 109 mph at NCAR on the 26th. Most winds were estimated between 60 and 70 mph in Boulder. Damage…in most cases…was from broken windows and tree limbs and downed power lines. A roof was blown off a house in Eldorado Springs south of Boulder. A building under construction was damaged in Boulder. Reported damage totaled 25 hundred dollars in Boulder. Northwest winds gusted to 47 mph at Stapleton International Airport on the 24th. In Denver…the Chinook winds warmed the temperature to a record high of 68 degrees on the 24th.

25-26

In 1910…gale force westerly winds of great velocity struck Boulder. Some damage was reported. West winds were sustained to 45 mph in Denver on the 25th.

25-27

In 1897…a cold spell resulted in three temperature records. Low temperature of 14 degrees below zero on the 27th was a record minimum for the date. High temperatures of only 3 degrees on the 25th and 2 degrees on the 26th were record low maximums for the dates. Very light snow or flurries fell on the 25th and 26th at times.

26

In 1902…the low temperature dipped to 20 degrees below zero.

In 1916…sleet…grains of ice…a rare occurrence in Denver… Fell for 3 hours and 15 minutes…covering the ground.

In 1999…high winds developed in and near the foothills. Peak wind reports included: 82 mph in Boulder and at Jefferson County Airport near Broomfield…79 mph at the Rocky Flats Environmental Test Facility…and 72 mph at the National Center for Atmospheric Research mesa lab near Boulder. West winds gusted to 40 mph at Denver International Airport where the temperature warmed to a high of 54 degrees.

26-27

In 1944…heavy snowfall totaled 8.0 inches in downtown Denver. Most of the snow…7.0 inches…occurred on the 26th when northwest winds were sustained to 17 mph.

In 1973…at Stapleton International Airport…only 3.8 inches of snowfall were measured and north winds gusted to 40 mph causing some blowing snow…while over the Colorado eastern plains heavy snow accompanied by high winds created widespread blizzard conditions closing many highways.

In 1994…the combination of an upper level storm system and moist upslope winds brought heavy snow and cold temperatures to metro Denver and much of eastern Colorado. Snowfall across metro Denver averaged 5 to 7 inches. Snowfall totaled 3.8 inches at Stapleton International Airport where east winds gusted to 21 mph on the 26th.

In 2000…snow…heavy in the mountains…spread over the foothills and metro Denver. Eight inches of snow were measured at Bergen Park and near Evergreen. Snowfall totaled 3.8 inches at the site of the former Stapleton International Airport.

26-1

In 1888…a protracted warm spell lasted a week. Maximum temperatures ranged from 62 degrees on the 29th to an all-time record high for the month of 76 degrees on the 27th. Daily record high temperatures of 76…69…and 71 occurred on the 27th…28th…and 30th respectively. Record high minimum temperatures of 47 and 34 occurred on the 26th and 27th.

27

In 1888…the highest recorded temperature in January…76 degrees…occurred.

In 1967…strong winds caused a power outage in Boulder.

In 1984…this was the last day of 63 consecutive days with snow cover of one inch or more in Denver. This longest period of snow cover on record began with the thanksgiving weekend blizzard on November 26-27…1983… When 21.5 inches of snow fell at Stapleton International Airport. Additional snowfall during December and January prolonged the event. Snow depth on the ground to the nearest inch was measured once daily at 5:00 am MST.

27-28

In 1899…snowfall totaled 6.2 inches in the city. Northeast winds were sustained to 36 mph with gusts to 40 mph on the 28th.

In 1965…high winds raked the Front Range foothills. West winds gusted to 89 mph on Table Mountain in Boulder…87 mph at Rocky Flats…and 54 mph at Stapleton International Airport. Damage and minor injuries occurred in Boulder and western metro Denver. Four men were injured by wind- caused accidents while working on construction…2 in Denver and 2 in Boulder. There was extensive damage to power lines… Buildings…signs…and trees. Some minor accidents were caused by blowing dust and debris. Blown dust accumulated 2 to 3 feet deep on some lawns in northern metro Denver suburbs. Dust blew into buildings and homes.

In 1989…the heaviest snowstorm of the winter dumped 9 to 15 inches of snow across metro Denver. Snowfall totaled 8.8 inches at Stapleton International Airport with most of the snow…8.6 inches…falling on the 28th. Strong north winds gusting to 46 mph whipped the snow into 2-foot drifts and reduced visibility in blowing snow. The foothills received up to 18 inches of snow. The snow fell on a weekend…so closures and other disruptions were minimal. The public reported thunder in Arvada…Wheat Ridge…and Boulder on the evening of the 27th. A thunderstorm produced snow pellets at Stapleton International Airport during the early morning hours of the 28th. This was the first thunderstorm in the city during January since 1932.

In 1996…winds to hurricane force were reported across the Front Range foothills in the wake of a pacific storm system. Recorded wind speeds included: 86 mph at the National Center for Atmospheric Research southwest of Boulder…86 mph atop Squaw Mountain west of Denver…and 75 mph at Jefferson County Airport in Broomfield. West-northwest winds gusted to 48 mph at Denver International Airport on the 28th.

In 2009…high winds buffeted the foothills of Boulder and Jefferson counties. Peak wind gusts included: 101 mph at Eldora Ski Resort…100 mph…6 miles northwest of Boulder; 84 mph at NCAR Mesa Lab…79 mph…5 miles northwest of Boulder; and 75 mph at the National Wind Technology Center. In Nederland…a wind turbine recently installed was damaged by the high winds. A peak wind gust of 38 mph occurred at Denver International Airport on the 28th.

27-31

In 1951…a major storm dumped 10.1 inches of snowfall at Stapleton Airport. Most of the snow…8.3 inches…fell on the 29th. Cold arctic air accompanied the snow. Several temperature records were set…including record low maximum temperatures of 4 on the 28th and 4 below zero on the 29th and record low temperatures of 12 below zero on the 29th and 24 below zero on the 31st. Temperatures were below zero for 45 consecutive hours.

28

In 1872…the low temperature dipped to 22 degrees below zero… A record minimum for the date.

In 1909…gale force north winds were sustained to 45 mph behind an apparent cold front…which also produced a trace of snow.

In 1986…a wind gust to 67 mph was recorded in Boulder. West winds gusted to 41 mph at Stapleton International Airport.

Continue reading January 26 to February 1: This Week in Denver Weather History →

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)
Weather History

January 19 to January 25: This Week in Denver Weather History

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This Week in Denver Weather History

Extreme cold, damaging wind and Denver’s biggest January snowstorm mark this week in Denver weather history.

From the National Weather Service:

14-21

In 1930…a protracted cold spell occurred when low temperatures plunged below zero on 8 consecutive days. The coldest low temperatures of 20 degrees below zero on the 17th and 19 degrees below zero on the 16th were record minimums for the dates. High temperatures during the period ranged from 18 on the 18th to zero on the 20th. Two degrees on the 15th was a record low maximum temperature for the date.

15-23

In 1962…a protracted cold spell kept metro Denver in the deep freeze for more than a week. From the 15th thru the 23rd…low temperatures were zero or below for 9 consecutive days…but a daily record low was set only on the 22nd when the temperature dipped to 14 degrees below zero. A record low maximum for the date was also set on the 22nd when the temperature climbed to only 11 degrees. The coldest high temperature was 3 degrees above zero on the 21st…which did not break the record. The protracted cold was broken for only a few hours on the afternoon of the 20th when Chinook winds warmed the temperature to a high of 38 degrees before another surge of cold arctic air plunged temperatures back into the deep freeze that evening. The severe cold caused much damage to water systems. A woman was frozen to death at Morrison. There were other deaths attributable to the weather…including traffic deaths and heart attacks from overexertion.

18-19

In 1980…a slow moving storm deposited 4 to 10 inches of snow across metro Denver with the greatest amounts in the foothills. Flights were delayed 30 to 40 minutes at Stapleton International Airport where snowfall totaled 5.5 inches and north winds gusted to 22 mph.

In 1988…a blizzard produced strong winds and heavy snow across eastern Colorado. Ten-foot drifts were common and many roads were closed including I-70…I-76…and I-25. In the Denver area…4.0 inches of snow fell at Stapleton International Airport where north winds gusting to 40 mph reduced the visibility to 1/2 mile at times.

18-20

In 1958…snowfall totaled 6.9 inches at Stapleton Airport where east-northeast winds gusted to 26 mph on the 18th.

18-24

In 2005…a week of mid-winter unseasonably warm weather pushed high temperatures into the 60’s or more on all but one day. During the period…the highest temperature of 70 degrees on the 20th was a new record maximum for the date. Low temperatures remained above freezing on 4 of the days.

19

In 1883…the low temperature dropped to 20 degrees below zero…and the high temperature of only 9 degrees below zero was the record low maximum for January…which was equaled on January 11…1963.

In 1887…west winds sustained to 48 mph warmed the temperature in the city to a high of 67 degrees…which was the highest temperature of the month that year.

In 1890…northwest winds were sustained to 42 mph with gusts to 45 mph in the city.

In 1903…northwest winds were sustained to 40 mph with an extreme velocity of 44 mph.

In 1911…west Chinook winds sustained to 42 mph warmed the temperature to a high of 66 degrees.

In 1916…sleet (grains of ice) fell for 15 minutes. This is a rare occurrence in Denver.

In 1990…7 to 10 inches of snow fell across metro Denver. Strong winds…drifting snow…and poor visibility caused the closure of I-70 from Denver east to the Kansas border. However…at Stapleton International Airport north winds gusted to only 17 mph. Several schools and businesses were forced to close. Weather-related delays of up to 90 minutes hampered aircraft operations at Stapleton International Airport where snowfall from the storm totaled 7.5 inches.

In 2002…high winds occurred over portions of the northern mountains and eastern foothills. Wind reports included: 74 mph at the National Center for Atmospheric Research atop the mesa in Boulder and 71 mph at the Eldora Ski Resort west of Boulder.

In 2003…a wind gust to 75 mph was recorded at the National Wind Technology Center atop Rocky Flats to the northwest of Denver. West winds gusted to 36 mph at Denver International Airport.

19-20

In 1935…snowfall of only 0.8 inch during the evening of the 19th was the only measurable snowfall of the month. The light snow developed behind an arctic cold front as temperatures plunged to a low of 13 degrees below zero on the 20th. High temperature of only 2 degrees on the 20th was a record low maximum for the date. Northeast winds were sustained to 16 mph on the 19th.

In 1986…Chinook winds gusting to 39 mph at Stapleton International Airport provided record breaking warmth. The warmest temperature of the month…68 degrees on the 19th…was also a record high for the date. The low temperature of 41 degrees on the 20th equaled the record high minimum for the date.

In 1991…a strong cold front moved south across metro Denver. Upslope conditions produced 3 to 6 inches of snow along the Front Range with 5 inches in Westminster and 4 inches in Thornton. Snowfall measured 4.9 inches at Stapleton International Airport where north winds gusted to 31 mph.

20 Continue reading January 19 to January 25: This Week in Denver Weather History →

National Weather

Weather on Inauguration Day can be a factor in the swearing in of a president

By far the most tragic inaugural weather was in 1841 when William Henry Harrison contracted pneumonia and died a month later. Image courtesy the Library of Congress.
By far the most tragic inaugural weather was in 1841 when William Henry Harrison contracted pneumonia and died a month later. Image courtesy the Library of Congress.

On a cold, wet and blustery day, the new President of the United States prepared to take office.  He rode a horse to and from the Capitol that day and spoke on the steps of the building for nearly two hours – all without an overcoat or so much as a hat.

William Henry Harrison’s refusal to acknowledge the realities of the harsh weather on March 4, 1841 would be his demise.  Our nation’s newest president would also have the shortest presidency, a mere 30 days, as he caught a chill that day which then turned to pneumonia and would claim his life.

Weather in the winter can be a wildcard to say the least and it has been a point of consternation for inauguration festivities.  In President Harrison’s day, we inaugurated our new leader in March but since 1937 Inauguration Day has been held on January 20th, a day which puts it right in the potentially coldest part of winter.

‘Normal’ weather for January 20th in Washington D.C. actually isn’t all that bad.  The city usually reaches a high temperature in the low 40’s.  At noon, the appointed time for the inaugural address, the normal temperature is 37 degrees with partly cloudy skies and a 10 mph wind.  According to the National Weather Service there is historically a 1 in 20 chance of snowfall on the date itself.  Not too bad at all.

Like President Harrison, some other presidents weren’t very lucky when it came to the weather on inauguration day.

Almost 125 years ago President William Howard Taft famously said, “I knew it would be a cold day when I made president,” and he was absolutely right.  On that March day in 1909, ten inches of snow fell and wind downed trees and power poles as streets became clogged and trains stalled.  President Taft’s ceremony was moved indoors due to poor weather and historians consider the day the worst inaugural weather ever.

"President Ronald Reagan's swearing in was the coldest in history but there has been other notable weather on Inauguration Day. (White House)
“President Ronald Reagan’s swearing in was the coldest in history but there has been other notable weather on Inauguration Day. (White House)

President Taft had it rough but his inauguration wasn’t the coldest.  For his second inauguration President Ronald Reagan saw truly Arctic cold temperatures impact his ceremony.  At noon in 1985 it was a mere 7 degrees and the wind chill dropped that to between -10 and -20 degrees.  Like Taft, President Reagan’s inauguration was moved indoors.

In 1873 when Ulysses S. Grant prepared to take office for his second term, the temperature was a mere 16 degrees at noon.  The wind was so bad it made his inaugural address inaudible to everyone including those on the platform with him.

In 1961 on the eve of John F. Kennedy’s inauguration, eight inches of snow fell causing the worst inaugural traffic jam as hundred of cars were stuck and thousands abandoned.  The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers was called in to clear the motorcade route of stuck cars and 1,700 Boy Scouts helped out by shoveling snow along the route. The temperature only reached 22 degrees that day and the new president was forced to cancel dinner plans as travel was so difficult.

As for rain, that too can intrude on one of our nation’s most revered occasions.  1.77 inches of rain fell on January 20, 1937 – a record for the date that still stands today.  President Franklin Delano Roosevelt rode in a convertible back to the White House after the inauguration which had a half-inch of water on the floor by the time he arrived.

How are things looking for Inauguration Day 2025 and President-elect Donald Trump’s swearing in?  While it looks like it will be dry, current indications are for a cold, blustery event.

Forecasts point to temperatures around 22 degrees at noon EST when the oath is expected to be administered. More notably, winds to 30mph are expected which would equate to wind chill temperatures dropping into the single digits.

Update, 1/17/25, 10:15am: It was just announced that the swearing in will be moved indoors to the United States Capitol Rotunda due to the cold that is expected. On Truth Social, President-elect Trump said, “There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way.”

Click here for the latest forecast for Washington DC from the National Weather Service.

Weather History

January 12 to January 18: This Week in Denver Weather History

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This Week in Denver Weather History

High winds are in many ways the most common extreme weather event in January as they frequently rake the foothills this time of year. Our look back at this week in weather history shows many such damaging events. There are also of course snowstorms and examples of extreme cold.

From the National Weather Service:

10-12

In 1997…heavy snow fell over the Front Range foothills. A foot of new snow was measured at Blackhawk with 7 inches recorded in Coal Creek Canyon. Only 3.3 inches of snow fell at the site of the former Stapleton International Airport. East-northeast winds gusted to 18 mph at Denver International Airport on the 11th.

10-13

In 1963…an arctic cold wave plunged temperatures well below zero across metro Denver. Temperatures were below zero for a total of 64 consecutive hours. Low temperatures reached 25 degrees below zero on both the 11th and 12th. The high temperature of 9 degrees below zero on the 11th was the coldest ever recorded at Stapleton Airport and equaled the record low maximum for the month first set on January 19…1883…in downtown Denver. The high temperature on the 12th reached only 1 degree below zero. On the 12th…an 18-year-old youth died of exposure from the extreme cold in Denver. There were many losses and damage to property from frozen water systems…stalled cars…and over-burdened heating systems. Light snow accompanied the arctic blast. At Stapleton Airport…2.3 inches of snow fell on the 10th and 11th.

11-12

In 1972…high winds howled along the Front Range foothills. A wind gust to 144 mph was recorded at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder. A wind gust to 105 mph was recorded at the Rocky Flats plant south of Boulder. Wind gusts to 90 mph were recorded in downtown Boulder. The greatest damage from the windstorm occurred in Boulder where 25 or more mobile homes were destroyed either by wind or the fires which resulted when they were overturned. Car windows were blown out; many buildings damaged; utility poles…power lines…trees…and traffic lights blown down. As many as 75 families were evacuated from a recently completed apartment building because of severe structural damage. Government and private office buildings and industrial plants were evacuated because of danger from flying glass and debris. Twelve people were treated at the hospital…mostly for cuts from flying glass. At least 15 small planes were seriously damaged and hangar doors were blown off at the Jefferson County Airport in Broomfield. Wind damage in Boulder alone totaled 2 million dollars. At Stapleton International Airport…west winds gusted to 53 mph on the 11th and to 47 mph on the 12th. The strong Chinook winds warmed temperatures into the mid 50’s on both days.

In 2019…an upslope snow event produced heavy snow in the southern Front Range Foothills and Palmer Divide…with light to moderate snowfall elsewhere. In the Front Range Foothills and Palmer Divide storm totals included: 18 inches at Schaffers Crossing…16.5 inches near Tiny Town… 15.5 inches in Pinecliffe…14 inches in Crescent Village… 13.5 inches near Aspen Park…13 inches…11 miles southeast of Arapahoe Park; 12.5 inches near Genesee and Kittredge… 12 inches near Perry Park…11 inches near Conifer…with 6 to 10 inches elsewhere. Across the western and southern suburbs of Denver storm totals included: 7.5 inches near Centennial…6 inches in Louisville and Westminster…5.5 inches in Federal Heights…5 inches in Broomfield…with 2 to 4 inches elsewhere. The official snowfall measurement at Denver International Airport was 1.3 inches.

11-14

In 1997…cold arctic air plunged temperatures below zero across metro Denver. The temperature was below zero for 60 consecutive hours from the afternoon on the 11th to around daybreak on the 14th. The high temperature of only 1 degree below zero on the 12th equaled the record low maximum for the date last set in 1963. The low temperature dipped to 14 degrees below zero on the 12th.

12

In 1888…gale force winds toppled the weather instrument shelter in downtown Denver. The strong winds in the foothills blew a train off the track at Georgetown. Northwest winds were sustained to 60 mph in the city. The strong winds warmed the temperature to a high of 50 degrees.

In 1980…strong winds in Boulder peaked to 95 mph at Table Mesa. Northwest winds gusted to only 29 mph at Stapleton International Airport.

In 1992…a strong pacific storm system dumped heavy snow across portions of metro Denver. Conifer…in the foothills southwest of Denver…received 17.5 inches of snow. Eleven inches fell at Lake Eldora west of Boulder…with 7 inches recorded at Morrison and 6 inches at Castle Rock. At Stapleton International Airport where north winds gusted to 31 mph…the snowfall totaled only 4.4 inches. Strong winds forced the closure of some highways.

In 1998…very strong winds and heavy snow caused blizzard conditions in the mountains to spread over portions of the Front Range foothills. Just east of the Continental Divide…sustained winds from 80 to 85 mph with gusts to 100 mph were recorded at Silver Spruce Ranch near Ward… Resulting in whiteout conditions. Only a trace of snow fell at the site of the former Stapleton International Airport. North winds gusted to only 28 mph at Denver International Airport.

In 2009…a fast moving storm system brought heavy snow to the foothills of Boulder and Jefferson counties…as well as the western and southern Denver suburbs. Storm totals generally ranged from 4 to 9 inches. The snowfall measurement at Denver International Airport was 3.0 inches.

12-13

In 1936…strong winds in Boulder blew roofs off homes. Wind gusts over 60 mph were recorded at the University of Colorado and a gust to 55 mph measured at Valmont.

In 2002…high winds developed in the foothills on the 12th and spread over the plains on the 13th. Winds gusted to 76 mph at the National Center for Atmospheric Research on the mesa in Boulder on the 12th. Northwest winds gusted to 49 mph…the highest wind of the month…at Denver International Airport on the 13th. The strongest winds were north and northeast of metro Denver.

13

In 1875…the low temperature dipped to 20 degrees below zero… A record low for the date and climbed to a high of only 2 degrees below zero…a record low maximum for the date.

In 1880…the worst wind storm ever experienced in Boulder caused some damage and personal injuries.

In 1893…northwest winds were sustained to 42 mph in the city.

In 1904…northwest winds were sustained to 40 mph with gusts as high as 50 mph. The Chinook winds warmed the temperature to a high of 63 degrees. The low temperature remained above freezing…dipping to only 34 degrees.

In 1919…snowfall was 1.8 inches in downtown Denver. Melted snow resulted in only 0.12 inch of precipitation. This was the only snowfall and precipitation for the month.

In 1932…snowfall totaled 3.4 inches in downtown Denver. North winds gusted to 22 mph.

In 1967…high winds in Boulder gusted to 70 mph downtown. Some damage occurred. Northwest winds gusting to 38 mph at Stapleton International Airport produced some blowing dust.

In 1988…high winds occurred in Boulder with a wind gust to 70 mph at Table Mesa. In the foothills a wind gust to 82 mph was measured at Rollinsville. West winds gusted to 33 mph at Stapleton International Airport.

13-14

In 1960…snowfall totaled only 4.4 inches and northeast winds gusted to 28 mph at Stapleton Airport…while over southeast Colorado a near blizzard closed roads with drifts 3 to 6 feet deep.

13-15

In 2021…strong and damaging winds developed across Front Range mountains…foothills and adjacent plains. A large shed blew over and smashed into a parked car in Gold Hill in the foothills of Boulder County. Across metro Denver…a fallen tree brought down power lines and sparked a small grass and shed fire; another tree fell into a house in Centennial. No injuries were reported. In the mountains and foothills… peak gusts included: 94 mph near Crisman…83 mph at Blackhawk… 80 mph near Marshall…and 79 mph near Berthoud Pass. Across the urban corridor and adjacent plains…peak gusts included: 69 mph near Centennial…64 mph in Broomfield…63 mph near Elizabeth and Northglenn…62 mph at Strasburg…60 mph near Buckley AFB…Castle Pines…Lone Tree and Parker…and 59 mph near Littleton. At Denver International Airport…a peak wind gust of 58 mph was observed from the west on the 13th…with another gust to 58 mph from the north observed on the 14th.

13-16

In 1888…a cold air mass settled over the city and caused temperatures to plunge well below zero on four consecutive days…but only one temperature record was set. Minimum temperatures dipped to 4 degrees below zero on the 13th… 19 degrees below zero on the 14th…20 degrees below zero on the 15th…and 11 degrees below zero on the 16th. The maximum temperature of only 4 degrees below zero on the 14th was a record low maximum for the date. North winds were sustained to 30 mph on the 13th.

14

In 1873…winds were brisk all day. After sunset…northeast sustained winds produced a perfect gale…behind an apparent cold front.

In 1875…the temperature remained below zero all day with a general northeast wind. At 9:00 pm the temperature was 1 degree above zero which was the official high for the day. The wind suddenly veered to the southwest and the temperature climbed 19 degrees in 15 minutes…7 more degrees in the next 5 minutes…and by 9:30 pm had risen to 36 degrees. By 9:35 pm the temperature had reached 40 degrees…a rise of 48 degrees in one hour and 39 degrees in half an hour. The sudden rise in temperature could be attributed to a receding arctic air mass and downsloping surface winds.

In 1906…the temperature climbed to a high of 56 degrees before an apparent cold front produced northeast winds sustained to 40 mph and a trace of snow in the afternoon.

In 1921…west winds were sustained to 44 mph with gusts to 46 mph. The downslope winds warmed the temperature to a high of 49 degrees.

In 1967…3.7 inches of snow fell at Stapleton International Airport with 7.7 inches measured in Boulder.

In 1982…strong Chinook winds buffeted Boulder…tearing the roof off a small apartment building. A gust to 88 mph was measured in Lakewood. Wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph were common along the foothills from Denver north to Fort Collins. Four people sustained minor injuries…mostly from flying glass. At least one person was knocked down by the winds. Several tractor trailer rigs were blown off I-70 near Golden…and numerous camper shells were blown off pick-up trucks.

14-15

In 1908…heavy post-frontal snowfall totaled 6.5 inches overnight. North winds were sustained to 32 mph. The temperature dropped 41 degrees in 24 hours from a reading of 48 degrees at 8:00 pm on the 14th to only 7 degrees at 8:00 pm on the 15th.

In 1950…strong winds occurred in Boulder and Louisville. Winds in excess of 60 mph were recorded at Valmont. Minor damage was reported. Southwest winds gusted to 50 mph at Stapleton Airport.

In 1959…a total of 5.5 inches of snow fell at Stapleton Airport.

In 1992…snow spread from the mountains across metro Denver. The heaviest snow was across the northern portion of the area where 7 inches fell at Thornton. At Stapleton International Airport…only 3.4 inches of snowfall were recorded and northeast winds gusting to 37 mph caused some blowing snow on the 14th.

In 1999…high winds howled across metro Denver. In Commerce City…strong winds toppled 3 utility poles resulting in a power outage to 600 homes. High wind reports included: 108 mph at Wondervu…80 mph at the Hiwan Golf Course in Evergreen…76 mph at Aspen Springs…75 mph at the Jefferson County Airport near Broomfield…74 mph in Boulder…and 70 mph at Georgetown. West to northwest winds gusted to 48 mph…the highest wind gust of the month…and warmed the temperature to a high of 60 degrees at Denver International Airport on the 15th.

14-21

In 1930…a protracted cold spell occurred when low temperatures plunged below zero on 8 consecutive days. The coldest low temperatures of 20 degrees below zero on the 17th and 19 degrees below zero on the 16th were record minimums for the dates. High temperatures during the period ranged from 18 on the 18th to zero on the 20th. Two degrees on the 15th was a record low maximum temperature for the date.

Continue reading January 12 to January 18: This Week in Denver Weather History →

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