The Dominator team led by Reed Timmer are one of three groups of chasers in this season of Storm Chasers. (Discovery Channel)
Every spring and summer storm chasers take to the Great Plains on a single-minded quest to experience a tornado up close and personal. While many people may find this odd, the cast of the Discovery Channel series Storm Chasers relishes the annual ritual and the channel is set to kick off the fourth season of the hit series.
The 1996 movie Twister brought storm chasing on to the big screen and to the forefront of the public consciousness. On the small screen, Storm Chasers has become one of the most popular shows on Discovery Channel as camera crews follow teams of professional chasers hunting tornadoes. Both have been responsible for the increasing interest in “tornado tourism” during severe weather season.
For the 2010 season the show sees the return of familiar faces for those that have seen the show before but also a notable one appears to be missing.
The Mile High City's September weather was unusually dry and warm. (iStockphoto / johnnyscriv)
Wildfires and record-setting temperatures provided a clue as to what the highlights of September’s weather would be and with the month over we now see it in the statistics. September 2010 will go down in the record books as not only one of the driest Septembers on record but also one of the warmest.
A mere 0.06 inch of precipitation was recorded at the official monitoring station at Denver International Airport over the month. Most of that fell during a four-day period from the 18th to the 22nd and in the end 25 days had no moisture at all. That scarcity of precipitation allowed the month to finish in a tie with 1882 and 1920 for the 5th driest September on record. Here in Thornton we fared a bit better having recorded 0.09 inch of precipitation but that paltry difference is not hardly worth noting.
Not only was precipitation in short supply, so too were even clouds. Zero days were reported as cloudy, 10 days as partly cloudy and 20 days were fair (sunny). Thornton recorded over 200 hours of sunshine for the month – more than any other month in 2010.
Temperatures were well above normal for the month and into top 10 status as well. The average temperature of 67.0 degrees was 4.6 degrees above normal. This puts September 2010 in a tie with 1939 as the seventh warmest September on record. Thornton was thankfully quite a bit cool as we recorded an average temperature of 64.7 degrees.
Four record high temperatures were tied or broken during the month. On the 19th a scorching 96 degrees was recorded easily besting the old record for the date of 93 degrees last set in 1980. That also was the hottest temperature ever recorded that late in the season. Other dates this past month setting records were: 94 on the 20th beating the old record of 92 last set in 1956; tied the record on the 26th with 1892; 92 on the 28th topping the old record of 89 last set in 1994.
In all the month recorded eight 90 degree days, well above the normal of 2 for September. An amazing 25 days had temperature at or above 80 degrees which is the highest number of 80 degree temperatures in September since 1872. Overall temperatures ranged from the high of 96 on the 19th down to a low of 40 on the 3rd. Thornton’s temperatures ranged from a high of 93.6 on the 19th to a low of 40.7 degrees on the 7th.
Looking beyond the statistics, the most noteworthy events of September 2010 were the wildfires in the foothills west of Denver. The Fourmile Canyon Fire northwest of Boulder became the most destructive in state history in terms of the number of homes destroyed. West of Loveland the Reservoir Road Fire claimed homes as well but was thankfully controlled relatively quickly due to the quick response of firefighters.
What does the October 2010 weather hold for Denver and the Colorado Front Range? Right now the dry and warm weather is expected to continue. Get all the details in our October 2010 preview.
From the National Weather Service:
...THE DENVER CO CLIMATE SUMMARY FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2010...
CLIMATE NORMAL PERIOD 1971 TO 2000
CLIMATE RECORD PERIOD 1872 TO 2010
WEATHER OBSERVED NORMAL DEPART LAST YEAR'S
VALUE DATE(S) VALUE FROM VALUE DATE(S)
NORMAL
................................................................
TEMPERATURE (F)
RECORD
HIGH 97 09/04/1995
09/01/1995
09/04/1960
09/05/1899
LOW 17 09/29/1985
HIGHEST 96 09/19 97 -1 91 09/01
LOWEST 40 09/03 17 23 36 09/28
AVG. MAXIMUM 84.8 77.4 7.4 78.0
AVG. MINIMUM 49.1 47.3 1.8 48.9
MEAN 67.0 62.4 4.6 63.5
DAYS MAX >= 90 8 2.2 5.8 1
DAYS MAX <= 32 0 0.2 -0.2 0
DAYS MIN <= 32 0 0.8 -0.8 0
DAYS MIN <= 0 0 0.0 0.0 0
PRECIPITATION (INCHES)
RECORD
MAXIMUM 4.67 1961
MINIMUM T 1892
1944
TOTALS 0.06 1.14 -1.08 0.74
DAILY AVG. T 0.04 -0.04 0.02
DAYS >= .01 3 6.3 -3.3 5
DAYS >= .10 0 MM MM 4
DAYS >= .50 0 MM MM 0
DAYS >= 1.00 0 MM MM 0
GREATEST
24 HR. TOTAL 0.03 09/22 TO 09/22 0.42 09/22 TO 09/23
SNOWFALL (INCHES)
RECORDS
TOTAL 17.2 1971
TOTALS 0.0 2.1 0.0
DEGREE_DAYS
HEATING TOTAL 32 136 -104 117
SINCE 7/1 35 146 -111 139
COOLING TOTAL 100 57 43 78
SINCE 1/1 862 696 166 533
FREEZE DATES
RECORD
EARLIEST 09/08/1962
LATEST 06/08/2007
EARLIEST 10/07
LATEST 05/05
.................................................................
WIND (MPH)
AVERAGE WIND SPEED 9.3 9.2
RESULTANT WIND SPEED/DIRECTION 2/190
HIGHEST WIND SPEED/DIRECTION 37/310 09/06 36/210 09/30
HIGHEST GUST SPEED/DIRECTION 44/320 09/06 45/280 09/30
SKY COVER
POSSIBLE SUNSHINE (PERCENT) MM
NUMBER OF DAYS FAIR 20
NUMBER OF DAYS PC 10
NUMBER OF DAYS CLOUDY 0
AVERAGE RH (PERCENT) 36
WEATHER CONDITIONS. NUMBER OF DAYS WITH
THUNDERSTORM 3 MIXED PRECIP 0
HEAVY RAIN 0 RAIN 0
LIGHT RAIN 4 FREEZING RAIN 0
LT FREEZING RAIN 0 HAIL 0
HEAVY SNOW 0 SNOW 0
LIGHT SNOW 0 SLEET 0
FOG 4 FOG W/VIS <= 1/4 MILE 2
HAZE 2
- INDICATES NEGATIVE NUMBERS.
R INDICATES RECORD WAS SET OR TIED.
MM INDICATES DATA IS MISSING.
T INDICATES TRACE AMOUNT.
October 3 to October 9 - This week in Denver weather history
The first half of October historically is quiet for the most part but there have been years with plenty of excitement. We have seen damaging tornadoes and winds and of course significant snowstorms.
From the National Weather Service:
3
In 1875…very dense haze hid the mountains from view as observed from the city.
In 1933…rainfall of just 0.01 inch was the only precipitation of the month. This was the second driest October on record.
In 1954…the low temperature cooled to only 60 degrees…the all-time record high minimum for the month October.
3-4
In 1969…the first snowfall of the season totaled 16.0 inches at Stapleton International Airport. There was a thunder snow shower on the evening of the 3rd…but otherwise little wind with the storm. The greatest snow depth on the ground was 8 inches due to melting. Heavy wet snow accumulated on trees…which were still in full leaf…and caused widespread damage from broken limbs and downed utility lines.
3-5
In 1984…the remnants of Pacific Hurricane Polo produced heavy rain over northeastern Colorado. Most locations received between 1.00 to 2.50 inches of rain…but 3.45 inches fell in Littleton. Rainfall totaled 1.73 inches at Stapleton International Airport…where north winds gusted to 24 mph.
4
In 1912…sustained south winds to 55 mph with gusts to 60 mph raised the temperature to a high of 83 degrees… The warmest temperature of the month that year.
In 1924…west winds were sustained to 46 mph with gusts to 50 mph in the city. The apparent Bora winds cooled the temperature to a high of 57 degrees from a high of 70 degrees on the 3rd.
In 2004…several small tornadoes touched down near Brighton… Barr Lake…and Hudson in Adams and southern Weld counties. Most of these caused no damage. However…a small tornado 5 miles southeast of Brighton caused extensive damage to a recreational vehicle and severely damaged a barn. The barn was torn from its foundation…and the roof was thrown 100 feet. Four llamas in the barn were injured when it collapsed.
4-5
In 1997…unusually warm weather resulted in two temperature records. High temperature of 87 degrees on the 4th exceeded the old record set in 1922 by one degree. High temperature of 86 degrees on the 5th equaled the record set in 1990 and previous years.
October is here and it may bring Denver's first taste of snow and freezing temperatures for the season. (iStockphoto / johnnyscriv)
With the first full month of fall here, October usually brings one of the quietest weather months in the Denver area with plenty of mild, sunny days and clear, cool nights. Certainly given our recent trend of well-above normal temperatures many are hoping for some relief.
The month actually has our second highest amount of sunshine with 72 percent with September having the most with 74 percent. Interestingly enough, the month following, November, is one of the lowest sunshine months with only 64 percent.
Typically October brings our first real taste of winter with the first freeze on average coming on the 7th of the month and the first snow on the 15th of the month.
You can get all the details including a look back at historical October weather and a look ahead at what October 2010 is expected to bring in our complete preview here.
For the fourth time this month Denver set (or tied) a record high temperature.
Mother Nature obviously hasn’t gotten the message that it is now September and fall is here. Once again Denver broke a record high temperature – the fourth time we have tied or broken a record this month.
According to the National Weather Service the temperature at Denver International Airport reached 92 degrees at 3:55pm. This shatters the old record high for the date of 89 degrees that was set twice, once in 1994 and before than in 1892.
Here in Thornton we were a couple of degrees cooler as we reached a high of 89.7 degrees at 2:41pm.
This is the fourth time this month that we have tied or set a new record high temperature and September 2010 may very well end up as one of the top 10 warmest on record.
As of midnight the average temperature in Denver during September had been 67.0 degrees. If the month were to have ended then we would be in a tie with 1939 for the 7th warmest September on record (see list below).
With temperatures forecast to remain in the mid-80s on Wednesday and around 80 on Thursday it is very possible September 2010 will fit on that top 10 list somewhere. We are certain to far exceed the average September temperature of 62.4 degrees.
For the second Sunday in a row the mercury in Denver reached a record-setting mark.
The Mile High City is on pace to see one of its “top 10 warmest” Septembers on record and that was in full evidence on Sunday. For the third time this month we have tied or broken a record high temperature.
At Denver International Airport today the high temperature reached 90 degrees at 2:54pm thus tying the record for the date set in 1892. This is far above the normal high temperature of 74 degrees for the date.
Here in Thornton we were slightly cooler as we recorded a high temperature of 88.1 degrees at 3:07pm today.
Last Sunday, September 19th, the mercury topped out an amazing 96 degrees. That broke the old record of 93 degrees set in 1980. It was also the hottest temperature ever recorded so late in the year and was the hottest Denver Broncos home game on record.
The recent wildfires have reminded us just how dry Denver has been in recent weeks and the precipitation measurements bear this out. Thus far this month Denver has recorded a mere 0.06 inch of precipitation – far below the average for September of 1.14 inches.
Given that at the current time there is no moisture in the weather forecast through the end of the month, September 2010 may very well go into the record books as one of the top 10 driest Septembers on record. If the month were to end today it would tie for 5th place on the list with 1882 and 1920.
In terms of temperature the month also is threatening top 10 status. As of yesterday the average temperature for the month has been 66.8 degrees. That is more than four degrees above the normal of 62.4 degrees. If the month were to end today that would put the month in a tie for the 9th spot on the top 10 warmest Denver Septembers on record.
September 26 to October 2 - This week in Denver weather history
Denver has been graced with an unusually mild September this year. That however is not always the case and in fact the weather can be downright winterish as we see in our look back at this week in Denver weather history.
25-26
In 1908…apparent post-frontal rain changed to snow overnight and totaled 6.5 inches in downtown Denver. This was the first snow of the season. Precipitation totaled 0.76 inch. North winds were sustained to 39 mph on the 25th.
25-27
In 1996…an early season snowstorm brought heavy snow to the Front Range eastern foothills. Snowfall totals included: 8 to 12 inches around conifer…7 inches on Floyd Hill…and 6 inches at both Bailey and Chief Hosa. Snowfall totaled only 4.7 inches at the site of the former Stapleton International Airport. This was the first measurable snow of the season. After the passage of a strong cold front…north winds gusted to 38 mph at Denver International Airport on the 25th.
26
In 1907…a late afternoon thunderstorm produced hail…0.23 inch of precipitation…and north winds sustained to 24 mph.
In 1927…snowfall of 1.7 inches…mixed at times with sleet… Was the first measurable snowfall of the season.
26-28
In 1936…the heaviest snowfall ever recorded in September and the heaviest snowfall ever recorded so early in the season dumped a total of 16.5 inches of snow on downtown Denver and 21.3 inches at Denver municipal airport. The 15.0 inches of snow measured from 6:00 pm on the 27th to 6:00 pm on the 28th is the greatest 24 hour snowfall ever recorded in September. This was the first snow of the season. The snow was intermittent through the 26th…but continuous from early afternoon on the 27th to around midnight on the 28th…except for a period of rain during the afternoon of the 28th which contributed to a loss of depth on the ground. The greatest snow depth on the ground downtown was 13 inches with 8 inches at Denver municipal airport. There were no high winds with the storm and traffic was interrupted for only a short period. The storm produced property damage estimated at 7 million dollars. With trees and shrubs in full foliage…the leaves caught and held the heavy water-laden snow…until the branches snapped from the weight. More than 3000 workmen were called to remove the debris and snow from the city. The city firemen who were off duty…as well as all the reserves… Were asked to report to their stations. All schools in the city remained open…but attendance was only 50 percent of normal. Grade school students were sent home at noon on the 28th. The early storm caught stockmen with many cattle still in higher ranges. Warm weather followed the snow…which had all melted by the end of the month…except for a few inches in sheltered places.
Are you ready? As September comes to a close and with fall's arrival cold and snow aren't far behind usually.
Wednesday marked the first day of fall and while the forecast may not call for freezing temperatures or snow, it won’t be long before the Mile High City is faced with those conditions. We have in fact already passed the earliest dates Denver has seen freezes and snow so they can arrive at any time.
Denver has in fact seen snow as early as September 3rd and its first seasonal freeze as early as September 8th. Those are the extremes however. On average the first snowfall occurs on October 19th and the first freeze on October 7th.
How will we fare this year? La Niña conditions are strengthening and the outlook is for warmer than normal temperatures for the next few months. Colorado weather however doesn’t always follow an established pattern.
Below is a look at Colorado’s cold season statistics as provided by the National Weather Service. They provide a bit of historical perspective as to what we might expect this year.
The statistics below and many more are kept in our Climatology section. Check it out
Autumn First Freeze Information
Earliest Date of First Freeze: September 8, 1962
Latest Date of First Freeze: November 15, 1944
Average Date of First Freeze: October 7th
First Freeze Last 11 Years:
October 2, 2009
October 13, 2008
October 8, 2007
September 18, 2006
October 5, 2005
October 14, 2004
September 14, 2003
October 4, 2002
October 5, 2001
September 20, 2000
September 28, 1999
October 21st is the average date in which Denver’s normal overnight low temperature hits 32 degrees Fahrenheit for the first time.
Autumn First Snow Information
Earliest Date of First Snow: September 3, 1961
Latest Date of First Snow: November 21, 1934
Average Date of First Snow: October 19th
First Measurable Snow Last 11 Years:
October 21, 2009
November 14, 2008
October 22, 2007
October 18, 2006
October 10, 2005
November 1, 2004
November 5, 2003
October 25, 2002
October 5, 2001
September 23, 2000
September 28, 1999
Seasonal Snowfall Amounts
Greatest Seasonal Snowfall: 118.7 inches 1908-09
Least Seasonal Snowfall: 20.8 inches 1888-89
Average Seasonal Snowfall (1971-2000): 61.7 inches
We here at ThorntonWeather.com are tremendous supporters of our nation’s veterans and have contributed our time and our financial resources to various veteran-related causes.
As President Abraham Lincoln said, “Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure.” To that end we are strong supporters of the Thornton Veterans Memorial and we were very pleased to hear about a contribution to the project made by a local sculptor, Christopher Romero.
What follows is the press release announcing the donation. Mr. Romero should be commended for honoring our nation’s veterans in such a truly extraordinary fashion.
Local Artisan Contributes Statue Dedicated to Veterans “Grace” to Become Prominent Feature at Thornton Veterans Memorial
THORNTON, Colorado – Sculptor Christopher Romero, well known for his works seen across the Denver metro area, announced he will donate his latest work as a contribution to the Thornton Veterans Memorial project.
Titled “Grace”, the nearly four-foot tall statue of a winged angel releasing a dove with dog tags is an extraordinarily moving piece of artwork. Grace’s outstretched arms symbolize the release of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to this nation. The dog tags carried aloft by a dove provide a visual and emotional representation of those brave men and women.
In announcing the contribution Mr. Romero said, “This is simply about doing what is right to honor our nation’s veterans. Grace belongs at this memorial and I am pleased that she will have a home honoring heroes.”
Romero’s contribution of the sculpture is valued at $12,000 and the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation will be funding the casting and molding estimated at $4,500.
The initial stages of work on “Grace” have been completed and the sculpture is now at the foundry where it will be rendered in bronze, a process estimated to take 90 days. Once complete the statue will be placed with the other features of the Thornton Veterans Memorial located near 136th Avenue and Holly Street.
“Grace will be a central feature of the Thornton Veterans Memorial and adds a human element that quite literally brings tears to your eyes,” Tony Hake, chairman of the foundation said. “On behalf of all veterans we thank Mr. Romero for the generosity he has shown in sharing Grace with the community.”
To learn more about the Foundation and the memorial project and how you can help to honor our nation’s veterans, please visit the Thornton VeteransMemorial website at http://www.thorntonveteransmemorial.org.
For the second day in a row Denver set a high temperature record.
A sizzling end to summer in the Mile High City! Following on Sunday’s record setting heat we followed suit again on Monday breaking another high temperature record.
The official high temperature as measured at Denver International Airport reached 94 degrees Monday afternoon at 1:38pm. This breaks the old high temperature record for the date of 92 degrees set in 1956.
Here is Thornton we just a slight bit cooler than the official high temperature as ThorntonWeather.com recorded 92.3 degrees as our high temperature.
The mercury would likely have climbed higher today were it not for some afternoon cloud cover.
Yesterday Denver reached a high of 96 degrees easily eclipsing the old record for September 19th of 93 set in 1980. The day also went down in history as the hottest home game temperature in history for the Denver Broncos and the highest temperature ever recorded in Denver this late in the year.
Tomorrow is the last day of summer but we won’t be breaking any records. Temperatures will become more seasonal finally as cooler air moves in from the northern plains.
We here at ThorntonWeather.com are tremendous supporters of our nation’s veterans and have contributed our time and our financial resources to various veteran-related causes.