Weather History

October 3 to October 9 – This week in Denver weather history

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October 3 to October 9 - This week in Denver weather history
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.

Continue reading October 3 to October 9 – This week in Denver weather history →

Climatology, Thornton Weather

The first full month of fall arrives; What will October weather bring to Thornton?

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October is here and it may bring Denver's first taste of snow and freezing temperatures for the season.
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.

Thornton Weather

Mother Nature keeps the heat on – Another record high temperature set

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For the fourth time this month Denver set (or tied) a record high temperature.
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. 

DENVER’S 10 WARMEST SEPTEMBERS
(1873-2009)

 68.3   1948
 68.2   1931, 1981
 68.0   1998 (cor)
 67.7   1933
 67.6   1947
 67.2   1994, 2005
 67.0   1939
 66.9   1990
 66.8   2001
 66.6   1977
 
Thornton Weather

Another record-setting Sunday as Denver ties all time high temperature for September 26

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For the second Sunday in a row the mercury in Denver reached a record-setting mark.
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. 
 
Denver also broke a high temperature record on Monday, September 20th when the mercury climbed to 94 degrees. This bested the old record for the date of 92 degrees set in 1956.
 
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.  
Weather History

September 26 to October 2 – This week in Denver weather history

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September 26 to October 2 - This week in Denver weather history
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.

Continue reading September 26 to October 2 – This week in Denver weather history →

Climatology, Thornton Weather

Ready for snow and freezing temperatures? They can come at any time now

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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
 
Seasonal Snowfall Last 11 Years:
60.6 inches 2009-2010
38.1 inches 2008-2009
46.3 inches 2007-2008
72.6 inches 2006-2007
30.4 inches 2005-2006
39.3 inches 2004-2005
38.0 inches 2003-2004
61.8 inches 2002-2003
30.2 inches 2001-2002
58.3 inches 2000-2001
45.6 inches 1999-2000
 
Denver’s Snowstorm Total Snowfall Statistics
 
Greatest Snowfall From One Storm: 45.7 inches December 1-6, 1913 (recorded between December 4-5th 1913)
 
The Top 13 Denver Snowstorms since 1946:
31.8 inches Mar 18, 2003
30.4 inches Nov 3, 1946
23.8 inches Dec 24, 1982
21.9 inches Oct 25, 1997
21.5 inches Nov 27, 1983
21.2 inches Nov 19, 1991
20.7 inches Dec 20, 2006
18.7 inches Mar 5, 1983
17.7 inches Nov 19, 1979
17.3 inches Apr 1, 1957
16.9 inches Mar 20, 1952
16.0 inches Oct 3, 1969
15.8 inches Apr 26, 1972
Local News

Local sculptor donates extraordinary statue to Thornton Veterans Memorial

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 "Grace" will become a prominent feature of the Thornton Veterans Memorial.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.

More information about Mr. Romero can be found on his website at: http://www.clrmetalart.com/.

Thornton Weather

Another record smashed – Denver breaks 54 year old high temperature record

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For the second day in a row Denver set a high temperature record.
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. 

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Thornton Weather

Denver smashes record high temperature as 96 degrees hits the Mile High City

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Denver recorded a high temperature today of 96 degrees shattering the old record high for the date of 93.
Denver recorded a high temperature today of 96 degrees shattering the old record high for the date of 93.

Denver is closing out summer in sizzling fashion.  With only three days left in summer the Mile High City shattered the record high temperature for the date and may set another one on Monday.

Today at 2:32pm the temperature at Denver International Airport reached a scorching 96 degrees.  This smashes the old record of 93 degrees set 30 years ago in 1980. 

The 96 degree mark today is also the highest temperature ever recorded in Denver this late in the year.  Previously 96 degrees was recorded on September 13, 1990 and in previous years.

Mercifully here in Thornton we weren’t quite as warm.  We recorded a high of 93.6 degrees at 3:20pm.

The temperature today was not a record high for the month of September however.  That mark would be 97 degrees set on the 1st of the month in 1995, the 4th in 1995 and the 5th in 1899. 

More heat is on tap for tomorrow as Denver will approach the 90 degree mark.  The record high for September 20th is  92 degrees set in 1956.

Along with the heat and lack of humidity also comes fire danger.  A Red Flag Warming will go into effect on Monday from noon until 9:00pm.  We have seen how dangerously dry the weather has been with the Fourmile Canyon Fire and the Reservoir Road Fire in the last few weeks.  Please be careful.

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National Weather

New York City tornadoes confirmed – Rare event also brings 125 mph winds

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In a rare occurrence, two tornadoes struck the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens on Thursday, September 16, 2010.
In a rare occurrence, two tornadoes struck the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens on Thursday, September 16, 2010. View more images in the slideshow below.

Severe weather struck the Big Apple this past Thursday and brought with it only the sixth and seventh tornadoes to strike New York City since record keeping began in 1950.  Accompanying the storms were straight-line winds packing a 125 mph punch. 

Funnel clouds were spotted in the boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn from the storms that also brought extraordinary winds and driving rain.  The severe thunderstorm toppled trees and power lines and left one woman dead.

The National Weather Service sent a team to look at the damage and determine if the winds were the result of a tornado or straight-line winds.  The answer is that two tornadoes -one an EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, the other an EF1 – struck Brooklyn and Queens.

In the Park Slope Neighborhood of Brooklyn, the tornado touched down at about 5:33pm and ripped across the cityscape for two miles.  It generated winds of 80mph, an EF0, and had a maximum width of 75 yards. 

Slideshow - Twin tornadoes strike Brooklyn and Queens, New York.The second twister struck the Flushing / Bayside area in Queens and was stronger and longer lived.  That tornado packed winds of 100mph making it an EF1.  It reached a maximum width of 100 yards and was on the ground for four miles.  One fatality is attributed to the twister as Iline Leuakis of Pennsylvania was killed when a tree fell and crushed her car. 

Also notable were significant straight-line winds caused by a macroburst.  In the Middle Village and Forest Hills areas in Queens, winds reaching 125 mph with a path five miles wide and eight miles long contributed to the damage. 

The two tornadoes mark only the sixth and seventh tornadoes to strike in the five counties that make up New York City since 1950 – Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond.  The strongest occurred on August 8, 2007 and was an EF2 that caused nine injuries.

New York City’s Tornadoes – Since 1950

  • 1985-10-05, Queens County, EF1
  • 1990-08-10, Richmond County, EF0
  • 1995-10-28, Richmond County, EF1
  • 2003-10-27, Richmond County, EF0
  • 2007-08-08, Richmond & Kings Counties, EF2
  • 2010-09-16, Kings County, EF0
  • 2010-09-16, Queens County, EF1

Data courtesy the Tornado History Project

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