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Weather History

March 29 to April 4: This week in Denver weather history

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This Week In Denver Weather History
March 29 to April 4: This week in Denver weather history

This week in Denver weather history is notable for the variety of conditions that can be experienced this time of year.  From hurricane force winds and heavy snow to more typical spring severe weather like tornadoes, all can be experienced this time of year.

From the National Weather Service:

27-29

In 1948…high winds raked Boulder. A wind gust to 75 mph was recorded at Valmont. Sustained winds in excess of 35 mph were estimated in Boulder. Minor damage was reported.

In 1961…heavy snowfall totaled 9.5 inches at Stapleton Airport over the 3 day period. Most of the snow…5.3 inches…fell on the 28th. Winds were generally light and gusted to only 22 mph from the north.

28-29

In 1891…rain changed to snow and totaled 9.7 inches in the city. Northeast winds were sustained to 12 mph with gusts to 28 mph on the 28th.

In 1910…a strong cold front brought much wind…rain…and and snow to the city. Rain on the 28th changed to snow early on the 29th. Snowfall totaled only 2.8 inches…but north winds were sustained to 50 mph on the 29th. Precipitation from the storm totaled 0.96 inch.

In 1994…moist upslope winds combined with an upper level system to dump 5 to 7 inches of snow along the eastern foothills and across metro Denver. Snowfall totaled 6.3 inches at Stapleton International Airport where northeast winds gusted to 39 mph. Thirteen inches of new snow were measured at the Eldora ski area west of Boulder.

28-30

In 1949…a major winter storm dumped 11.3 inches of snow over downtown Denver. Snowfall totaled 10.4 inches at Stapleton Airport. North to northeast winds were sustained to 17 mph.

In 1985…a slow moving snow storm moved across the state. Denver received only 4.0 inches of snowfall with amounts in the foothills totaling 1 to 2 feet. Still…this was enough snow in Denver to cause flight delays of up to 6 hours at Stapleton International Airport on the night of the 29th. East winds gusted to 28 mph on the 28th.

29

In 1887…west winds sustained to 44 mph warmed the temperature to a high of 62 degrees.

In 1921…post-frontal northeast winds were sustained to 46 mph with gusts to 52 mph.

In 1925…southeast winds were sustained to 46 mph with gusts to 48 mph. These were the strongest winds of the month that year. The winds warmed the temperature to a high of 72 degrees.

In 1934…a construction worker was killed by lightning as he walked with a shovel on his shoulder along Cherry Creek in the city. The thunderstorm produced light rain.

In 1967…a southwest wind gust to 52 mph was recorded at Stapleton International Airport. The warm Chinook winds warmed the temperature to 79 degrees equaling the record for the date.

In 1979…a tornado touched down 4 miles southwest of Parker… But caused no reported damage.

In 1998…four children attending a birthday party in Denver were injured when an apparent dry microburst produced a sudden strong wind gust which blew an inflatable playhouse they were occupying into a neighbor’s yard. The playhouse scraped the roof of the host’s two-story house…then landed in the adjoining yard. The children were treated for minor head injuries and cuts.

29-30

In 1938…overnight heavy snowfall was 6.3 inches over downtown Denver.

In 1982…strong winds buffeted metro Denver…breaking windows and damaging roofs. Wind gusts to 90 mph were recorded in Boulder and 51 mph at Stapleton Airport. The strong winds flattened a condominium under construction in Lakewood.

In 1991…1 to 6 inches of snow fell across metro Denver with the heaviest snow confined to the foothills. Six inches of snow was recorded at South Platte in the foothills southwest of Denver and 3 inches at Castle Rock. Snowfall totaled only 0.7 inch at Stapleton International Airport where northeast winds gusted to 33 mph on the 29th.

29-31

In 1970…snowfall totaled 6.0 inches at Stapleton International Airport. Heavy snow accumulation in Boulder on the 29th caused the collapse of a carport at an apartment building…damaging 11 automobiles. Northeast winds gusted to 24 mph at Stapleton International Airport.

30

In 1895…rain changed to sleet…then snow…and totaled 8.0 inches in downtown Denver. Strong post-frontal northeast winds were sustained to 48 mph with gusts to 61 mph. Temperatures hovered around 30 degrees all day.

In 1968…microburst winds associated with virga and brief light rain gusted to 46 mph at Stapleton International Airport.

In 1983…winds gusted to 82 mph at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder with peak gusts of 70 to 80 mph in the foothills. Minor damage occurred at a construction site and to some homes in Boulder. West winds gusted to 39 mph at Stapleton International Airport.

30-31

In 1896…heavy snowfall totaled 7.5 inches in downtown Denver. Northwest winds gusted to 26 mph.

In 1897…rain changed to snow during the early morning of the 30th and totaled 6.2 inches before ending during the late morning of the 31st. Northwest winds were sustained to 35 mph with gusts to 46 mph.

In 1929…heavy snowfall of 7.0 inches was recorded over downtown Denver. Northwest winds were sustained to 23 mph on the 30th.

In 1953…heavy snowfall totaled 8.6 inches at Stapleton Airport where northeast winds gusted to 23 mph.

In 1955…a vigorous cold front produced north winds at 40 mph with gusts as high as 54 mph at Stapleton Airport. Rain and snow showers and blowing dust accompanied the front. Snowfall totaled only 0.1 inch at Stapleton Airport on the 31st.

In 1988…snow began falling on the afternoon of the 30th and continued through the 31st…burying metro Denver. Twelve to 18 inches of snow fell in the foothills to the west of Denver and Boulder with 6 to 12 inches across the rest of metro Denver. The storm disrupted aircraft operations at Stapleton International Airport where snowfall totaled 7.1 inches and north winds gusting to 32 mph reduced the visibility to less than 1/4 mile at times…causing air traffic delays of 2 to 3 hours.

In 2000…heavy snow once again developed over the foothills and the higher terrain to the south of metro Denver. Snowfall totals from the storm included: 16 inches atop Squaw Mountain…15 inches near Rollinsville…13 inches near Evergreen…12 inches near Morrison…11 inches in Coal Creek Canyon…10 inches near Blackhawk and in Eldorado Springs…9 inches at Ken Caryl Ranch and larkspur… And 8 inches near Elizabeth. Snowfall totaled only 4.1 inches at the site of the former Stapleton International Airport. North winds gusted to 32 mph at Denver International Airport on the 30th.

In 2005…a strong spring storm intensified over the eastern plains of Colorado and produced near-blizzard conditions to the east and southeast of Denver overnight. North to northwest winds from 20 to 35 mph with gusts to 50 mph produced extensive blowing snow and caused near zero visibilities at times and snow drifts from 2 to 4 feet in depth. Snowfall amounts included: 12 inches near Bennett…8 inches around Castle Rock… 7 inches near Sedalia…and 6 inches near Parker. Only 0.3 inch of snow was reported at Denver Stapleton. At Denver International Airport…north winds gusted to 37 mph on the 30th and 36 mph on the 31st.

In 2014…on the evening of the 30th…high based showers and thunderstorms produced microburst winds over northern Jefferson…eastern Boulder and southwest weld counties. Peak wind reports included: 77 mph at white ranch open space; 72 mph…2 miles north of Longmont; 67 mph near Erie and firestone; 60 mph near mead and 59 mph…5 miles northwest of Henderson; with 53 mph at Denver International Airport. The wind downed power lines in Weld County which sparked a small fire. High winds then developed in the Front Range foothills and urban corridor through the morning of the 31st. Peak wind gusts included: 98 mph near gold hill; 77 mph near Eldorado Springs; 61 mph at Centennial Airport; 59 mph at Buckley Air Force Base; with 44 mph at Denver International Airport.

Continue reading March 29 to April 4: This week in Denver weather history →

Thornton Weather

March 2015 top shots: Monthly photo slideshow

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Snow covers a Thornton yard early in the month of March. (LE Worley)
Snow covers a Thornton yard early in the month of March. (LE Worley)

The month of March is the start of meteorological spring and while conditions do begin warming, winter weather is certainly out of the question.  From hot to cold, snow to rain, the conditions can be very conducive to great pictures as we see in our slideshow.

March in Denver typically means frequent and rapid weather changes. The days grow longer and we start enjoying more sunshine and sometimes summer-like weather. However, on occasion arctic air masses can still force their way south into Colorado dropping temperatures quickly and markedly.

With the active wildlife, increased outdoor activities by us humans, and of course the weather, March imagery contains a wide variety of subjects and extremes.

  • Slideshow updated March 29, 2015. 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.

[flickr_set id=”72157651267455221″]

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

March 22 to March 28: This week in Denver weather history

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This Week In Denver Weather History
March 22 to March 28: This week in Denver weather history

This week in Denver weather history are a number of interesting events.  As March comes to a close we are not yet done with winter so snow is certainly still possible but we also start seeing more Spring-like weather.  Reminders of this include the coldest temperature ever recorded in March – 11 degrees below zero 123 years ago.  Conversely, 38 years ago the highest temperature ever recorded in March of 84 degrees was recorded.

From the National Weather Service:

20-22

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

21-22

In 1955…wind gusts to 98 mph were recorded at Rocky Flats south of Boulder. Some damage and a few minor injuries were reported in Boulder. Northwest winds were sustained to 28 mph with gusts to 39 mph at Stapleton Airport on the 22nd.

In 1966…a vigorous cold front produced only 1.7 inches of snowfall at Stapleton International Airport…but northeast winds gusted to 49 mph on the 21st. Temperatures cooled from a maximum of 66 degrees on the 21st to a minimum of 14 degrees on the 22nd. Strong winds occurred on both days.

In 1992…an arctic cold front produced upslope snow across metro Denver mainly west of I-25. Castle Rock reported 6 inches of snow with 3 inches at Evergreen. At Stapleton International Airport…only 1.5 inches of snowfall were measured and northeast winds gusted to 18 mph on the 21st.

22

In 1905…apparent post-frontal north winds were sustained to 49 mph.

In 1922…a vigorous cold front with north winds sustained to 41 mph brought only 0.6 inch of snowfall to the city. These were the highest winds of the month.

In 1966…high winds caused extensive blowing snow that impeded traffic and closed highways over a wide area of eastern Colorado. Wind damage was widespread…but minor. North wind gusts to 47 mph were recorded at Stapleton International Airport where visibility was reduced as low as 1/8 mile in blowing snow.

In 1975…a strong west wind gust to 51 mph was recorded at Stapleton International Airport…while east of Denver the strong winds caused minor property damage and considerable blowing dust which closed several roads.

In 1979…near-blizzard conditions paralyzed the northeastern quarter of the state. Strong winds and drifting snow closed many roads…including I-25 and I-70. Power outages darkened sections of metro Denver. Snow accumulations of 4 to 12 inches were measured over the plains with drifts several feet deep. Only 3.5 inches of snow were recorded at Stapleton International Airport where northeast winds gusted to 39 mph causing some blowing snow.

In 1995…strong winds associated with a fast moving pacific cold front moved from the mountains into metro Denver. Winds estimated at 60 to 75 mph picked up rocks and shattered the windows of a car in Louisville. The strong winds blew down and partially destroyed two houses under construction just north of Thornton. West winds gusted to 53 mph at Denver International Airport where the visibility was briefly reduced to 1/2 mile in blowing dust.

22-23

In 1936…heavy snowfall of 7.7 inches was measured in downtown Denver. The heavy wet snowfall formed a thick coating of snow on trees and shrubs…but caused little damage. North winds were sustained to 15 mph.

In 1984…around a half foot of new snow fell across metro Denver…causing flight delays at Stapleton International Airport where snowfall totaled 6.0 inches and north winds gusted to 31 mph. Up to a foot of snow fell in the foothills. Icy roads produced numerous traffic accidents.

In 2011…strong bora winds developed along the Front Range following the passage of a storm system. Peak wind gusts included: 87 mph at the National Wind Technology Center; 82 mph…6 miles northwest of Boulder; 72 mph at Front Range airport in Broomfield; 71 mph at Longmont; and 64 mph…4 miles west of Lakewood. At Denver International Airport…a peak wind gust of 48 mph from the west was observed on the 22nd.

In 2013…a wet early spring snowstorm brought heavy snow to parts of the Front Range foothills and urban corridor. The heaviest snowfall occurred near the Front Range foothills and palmer divide. Near blizzard conditions forced the closure of interstate 70 east of Denver. In the foothills… Storm totals included: 14.5 inches near Conifer; 14 inches just southwest of Eldorado Springs and Intercanyon; 13 inches near Indian Hills; 12.5 inches near Pinecliffe; 11.5 inches near Golden; 11 inches near Jamestown and Roxborough; 10.5 inches near Brookvale and 10 inches at Genesee. Across the urban corridor and Palmer Divide… Storm totals included: 12.5 inches…8 miles southeast of Watkins; 10.5 inches in Boulder…Centennial and Northglenn; 9.5 inches…just south of Aurora; 9 inches in Westminster; 8 inches at Lafayette; 7.5 inches near Morrison; 7 inches in Arvada…Bennett…Brighton; 6 inches in Highlands Ranch… Longmont…Louisville and Thornton. Officially…11.6 inches of snow fell at DIA from the evening of the 22nd to the afternoon of the 23rd…which set a new two-day snowfall record in Denver for the date. In addition…a peak wind gust to 33 mph was observed from the east on the 22nd with a gust to 30 mph from the north on the 23rd.

Continue reading March 22 to March 28: This week in Denver weather history →

Climatology, Thornton Weather

March preview: Snowiest month also typically brings much warmer temperatures

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The month of February was quite generous in terms of snowfall pushing our seasonal total thus far above normal.  The month of March usually offers healthy snowfall giving us an opportunity to add to those numbers.  While there is good snow potential in March, the month also typically brings much warmer temperatures.

March is historically Denver’s snowiest month and brings about 20% of our annual snowfall.  Heavy, wet spring snow storms can oftentimes bring the entire month’s snowfall total in one monstrous snow.

We also start the transition to spring and severe weather season and the month typically brings our first thunderstorms of the year.  Temperatures climb throughout the month and by the end our average daytime highs are near 60 degrees.

For a complete look at what lies ahead in March 2014, click here.

Climatology, Thornton Weather

March 2014 weather recap: Month saw near normal temperatures and precip, below normal snowfall.

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Looking back at the month of March we see a period of relatively uneventful weather in the Denver area.  Temperatures were near normal as was the amount of liquid precipitation, this despite the fact we saw well below normal snowfall.

The month started very cold with the first two days failing to record readings above freezing and some light snowfall.  That did not last long however and four mild days followed.  A weak system then moved in with a couple more shots of snow over a three day period.

Entering the second week of the month temperatures moderated and we saw some of our warmest readings of the month.  Light snow on the 12th fell but did not cool things down too much.

Two more very light snowfalls occurred in the last 10 days of the month while temperatures overall remained at or above normal.

Thornton’s average temperature for the month came in at 41.1 degrees, 0.7 degrees above the Denver average for March of 40.4 degrees.  Out at Denver International Airport, the Mile High City saw an average monthly temperature of 40.9 degrees.

Our warmest temperature for the month occurred on the 9th when the mercury climbed to 75.0 degrees.  The coldest reading of 3.8 degrees happened on March 2.  Denver’s warmest and coldest temperatures were on the same days with readings of 73 degrees and 4 degrees.

Two days, the first and the second, saw high temperatures below freezing.  Low temperatures below freezing occurred on 22 of the 31 days.  Denver saw similar readings.

In terms of liquid precipitation, Thornton recorded 1.06 inches.  This was a bit above Denver’s March average of 0.92 inches.  Denver was drier than normal recording 0.83 inches.

The near normal precipitation came despite the fact we saw much less snow than normal.  March is typically our snowiest with an average of 10.7 inches of the white stuff.  Thornton saw a mere 6.5 inches and Denver 6.0 inches.

Click here to view Thornton’s March 2014 climate report.

March 2014 temperature summary for Thornton, Colorado. (ThorntonWeather.com)
March 2014 temperature summary for Thornton, Colorado. (ThorntonWeather.com)
March 2014 precipitation summary for Thornton, Colorado. (ThorntonWeather.com)
March 2014 precipitation summary for Thornton, Colorado. (ThorntonWeather.com)

 

CLIMATE REPORT...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BOULDER, CO
725 PM MDT TUE APR 1 2014

..............CORRECTED FOR TYPOS FOR THE FOLLOWING.................
.....TEMPERATURES...SNOWFALL DEPARTURES AND PEAK WIND DIRECTION.....

...................................

...THE DENVER CO CLIMATE SUMMARY FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH 2014...

CLIMATE NORMAL PERIOD 1981 TO 2010
CLIMATE RECORD PERIOD 1872 TO 2014

WEATHER         OBSERVED          NORMAL  DEPART  LAST YEAR`S
                 VALUE   DATE(S)  VALUE   FROM    VALUE  DATE(S)
                                          NORMAL
................................................................
TEMPERATURE (F)
RECORD
 HIGH              84   03/26/1971
 LOW              -11   03/28/1886
HIGHEST            73   03/09        84     -11       76  03/15
LOWEST              4   03/02       -11      15        2  03/25
AVG. MAXIMUM     55.8              54.4     1.4     50.7
AVG. MINIMUM     25.9              26.4    -0.5     24.6
MEAN             40.9              40.4     0.5     37.7
DAYS MAX >= 90      0               0.0     0.0        0
DAYS MAX <= 32      2               1.9     0.1        3
DAYS MIN <= 32     23              23.6    -0.6       24
DAYS MIN <= 0       0               0.1    -0.1        0 
PRECIPITATION (INCHES) 
RECORD
  MAXIMUM         4.56   1983
  MINIMUM         0.03   2012 
TOTALS           0.83              0.92   -0.09     1.47 
DAILY AVG.       0.03              0.03    0.00     0.05 
DAYS >= .01         9               5.9     3.1        6
DAYS >= .10         2               2.4    -0.4        4
DAYS >= .50         0               0.3    -0.3        0
DAYS >= 1.00        0               0.1    -0.1        0
GREATEST
 24 HR. TOTAL    0.32   03/07 TO 03/07           03/22 TO 03/22
                                                          03/22 TO 03/22
                                                          03/22 TO 03/22
 STORM TOTAL       MM                                 MM
 (MM/DD(HH))            MM                    03/22(00) TO 03/22(00)
                                                 03/22(00) TO 03/22(00)2
                                                 03/22(00) TO 03/22(00)2

SNOWFALL (INCHES)
RECORDS
 TOTAL             MM   5
TOTALS            6.0              10.7

DEGREE_DAYS
HEATING TOTAL     739               763     -24      840
 SINCE 7/1       5258              5202      56     5112
COOLING TOTAL       0                 0       0        0
 SINCE 1/1          0                 0       0        0

FREEZE DATES
RECORD
 EARLIEST     09/08/1962
 LATEST       06/08/2007
EARLIEST                        10/07
LATEST                          05/05
...................................................

WIND (MPH)
AVERAGE WIND SPEED              11.5
RESULTANT WIND SPEED/DIRECTION   3/247
HIGHEST WIND SPEED/DIRECTION    45/350    DATE  03/18
HIGHEST GUST SPEED/DIRECTION    55/350    DATE  03/18

SKY COVER
POSSIBLE SUNSHINE (PERCENT)   MM
AVERAGE SKY COVER           0.60
NUMBER OF DAYS FAIR            6
NUMBER OF DAYS PC             18
NUMBER OF DAYS CLOUDY          7

AVERAGE RH (PERCENT)     50

WEATHER CONDITIONS. NUMBER OF DAYS WITH
THUNDERSTORM              0     MIXED PRECIP               0
HEAVY RAIN                0     RAIN                       2
LIGHT RAIN                3     FREEZING RAIN              0
LT FREEZING RAIN          1     HAIL                       0
HEAVY SNOW                0     SNOW                       6
LIGHT SNOW               10     SLEET                      0
FOG                      12     FOG W/VIS <= 1/4 MILE      5
HAZE                      5

-  INDICATES NEGATIVE NUMBERS.
R  INDICATES RECORD WAS SET OR TIED.
MM INDICATES DATA IS MISSING.
T  INDICATES TRACE AMOUNT.
Thornton Weather

March 2014 top shots: Monthly photo slideshow

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Wintry weather started the month of March in northeastern Colorado. View more images from the month in the slideshow below. (Marla Winter)
Wintry weather started the month of March in northeastern Colorado. View more images from the month in the slideshow below. (Marla Winter)

March along the Colorado Front Range can be a very pleasant time as temperatures climb with the approach to and arrival of spring.  However the month is also Denver’s snowiest and wintry weather is not unusual.  This variety of conditions will be reflected in our March 2014 slideshow below.

  • Slideshow updated March 31, 2014

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 snow are vividly depicted.

Throughout the month we will gather the images sent to us via email or shared with us via our various social media outlets and post them in the slideshow below.

To learn more about getting your photos added to our monthly slideshow, click here. 

Click the play button below and sit back and enjoy the images.

Colorado Weather, Examiner.com

Massive 104 car pileup on icy roads in Denver kills one, injures dozens

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An accident on icy roads south of Colorado Springs resulted in a vehicle rollover and was one of three significant multi-vehicle accidents on I-25.Icy roads Saturday morning led to a massive 104 car pileup on Interstate 25 through central Denver killing one person and injuring 30.

The chain reaction accident began just before 11:00 a.m. near University and Downing on the northbound side of the interstate. Cars, unable to stop on the ice and snow covered highway, began piling up.

One woman was killed in the accident. Her name is currently being withheld. The woman’s vehicle struck the back of a semitrailer, peeling the roof back as it lodged under the trailer.

Thirty people were injured and transported to area hospitals including Denver Health, St. Anthony’s and Swedish Medical Center. Among the injured were adults and children.

Read more about his incredible accident and check out the photos and video on Examiner.com

Climatology

March preview: Biggest snow month also brings much milder temperatures

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The past two months have brought periods of extreme cold but not a lot of snow to Denver.  March however is our snowiest month and may bring a turnaround in those numbers.  It also typically brings much warmer temperatures.

March is historically Denver’s snowiest month and brings about 20% of our annual snowfall.  Heavy, wet spring snow storms can oftentimes bring the entire month’s snowfall total in one monstrous snow.

We also start the transition to spring and severe weather season and the month typically brings our first thunderstorms of the year.  Temperatures climb throughout the month and by the end our average daytime highs are near 60 degrees.

For a complete look at what lies ahead in March 2014, click here.

Climatology, Thornton Weather

March 2013 Thornton weather recap: Cool month brings much-needed precipitation

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With snowpack lagging and spring set to arrive, hopes were high that March could bring some relief to Colorado’s parched landscape and Mother Nature did oblige.  March 2013 brought above average snowfall and cooler than normal temperatures.

The month started out with near normal temperatures but the first in a series of disturbances throughout the month arrived on the 4th.  A couple of inches was delivered to the area on the date which was followed by a few days of mild weather.

The warmth did not last as another storm system which began a repeating pattern across the month with mild temperatures followed by periods of cold and snow.

Thornton’s overall average temperature for the month came in at 38.3 degrees.  At Denver’s official weather station at Denver International Airport the month averaged 37.7 degrees.  Both locations’ average temperatures were below the March historical average (1981 to 2010) of 40.4 degrees.

We recorded 25 days with low temperatures dropping below the freezing mark.  Three days saw high temperatures fail to climb above 32 degrees.

Our warmest temperature during March 2013 was a reading of 78.6 degrees on the 15th.  The coldest reading was on the 24th when the mercury dropped to a bone-chilling 2 degrees.  Out at DIA, the warmest reading was 76 degrees on the 15th and the coldest was 2 degrees on the 25th.

In terms of precipitation, Thornton saw 1.45 inches in the rain bucket, almost all from snow.  Denver’s numbers were near identical at 1.47 inches.  Both were well above the March average of 0.92 inch.

Snowfall was the big story for the month as Thornton recorded 20.2 inches of the white stuff.  Out at DIA the Mile High City saw even more as it measured 23.5 inches.  March historically averages 10.7 inches so we were well above normal while the month’s reputation as our snowiest month of the year held true.

The month did come very close to making the list of ‘top 10 snowiest Marches.’  The number 10 spot on that list came in 1981 when 24.0 inches was recorded.

Despite the cold and snow, only one weather record was set during the month.  The 11.6 inches of snow recorded at DIA from the 22nd to the 23rd set a two-day snowfall total record for the date, besting the previous mark of 8.0 inches set in 2010.

Click here to view the ThorntonWeather.com March 2013 Climate Summary

2013-03-Temps.jpg
Thornton, Colorado March 2013 Temperatures
2013-03-Precip.jpg
Thornton, Colorado March 2013 Precipitation
...THE DENVER CO CLIMATE SUMMARY FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH 2013...

CLIMATE NORMAL PERIOD 1981 TO 2010
CLIMATE RECORD PERIOD 1872 TO 2013

WEATHER         OBSERVED          NORMAL  DEPART  LAST YEAR`S
                 VALUE   DATE(S)  VALUE   FROM    VALUE  DATE(S)
                                          NORMAL
................................................................
TEMPERATURE (F)
RECORD
 HIGH              84   03/26/1971
 LOW              -11   03/28/1886
HIGHEST            76   03/15        84      -8       81  03/31
LOWEST              2   03/25       -11      13       16  03/02
AVG. MAXIMUM     50.7              54.4    -3.7     65.5
AVG. MINIMUM     24.6              26.4    -1.8     32.9
MEAN             37.7              40.4    -2.7     49.2
DAYS MAX >= 90      0               0.0     0.0        0
DAYS MAX = .01         6               5.9     0.1        2
DAYS >= .10         4               2.4     1.6        0
DAYS >= .50         0               0.3    -0.3        0
DAYS >= 1.00        0               0.1    -0.1        0
GREATEST
 24 HR. TOTAL    0.47   03/22 TO 03/22           03/01 TO 03/02
                                                          03/01 TO 03/01
                                                          03/01 TO 03/01
 STORM TOTAL       MM                                 MM
 (MM/DD(HH))            MM                    03/02(00) TO 03/02(00)
                                                 03/01(00) TO 03/01(00)1
                                                 03/01(00) TO 03/01(00)1

SNOWFALL (INCHES)
RECORDS
 TOTAL             MM   5
TOTALS           23.5              10.7

DEGREE_DAYS
HEATING TOTAL     840               763      77      483
 SINCE 7/1       5112              5202     -90     4863
COOLING TOTAL       0                 0       0        0
 SINCE 1/1          0                 0       0        0

FREEZE DATES
RECORD
 EARLIEST     09/08/1962
 LATEST       06/08/2007
EARLIEST      03/01             10/07
LATEST                          05/05
..................................................

WIND (MPH)
AVERAGE WIND SPEED              10.1
RESULTANT WIND SPEED/DIRECTION   1/223
HIGHEST WIND SPEED/DIRECTION    38/010    DATE  03/09
HIGHEST GUST SPEED/DIRECTION    47/280    DATE  03/17

SKY COVER
POSSIBLE SUNSHINE (PERCENT)   MM
AVERAGE SKY COVER           0.60
NUMBER OF DAYS FAIR            2
NUMBER OF DAYS PC             20
NUMBER OF DAYS CLOUDY          9

AVERAGE RH (PERCENT)     53

WEATHER CONDITIONS. NUMBER OF DAYS WITH
THUNDERSTORM              0     MIXED PRECIP               0
HEAVY RAIN                0     RAIN                       0
LIGHT RAIN                1     FREEZING RAIN              0
LT FREEZING RAIN          0     HAIL                       0
HEAVY SNOW                3     SNOW                       5
LIGHT SNOW                8     SLEET                      0
FOG                       9     FOG W/VIS
Weather History

March 31 to April 6: This Week in Denver Weather History

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This Week In Denver Weather History
March 31 to April 6: This Week in Denver Weather History

Early spring can bring a wide variety of conditions from wintry storms to severe weather. Our look back at this week in Denver weather history shows that just about any type of weather condition can occur this time of year.

From the National Weather Service:

29-31

In 1970…snowfall totaled 6.0 inches at Stapleton International Airport. Heavy snow accumulation in Boulder on the 29th caused the collapse of a carport at an apartment building…damaging 11 automobiles. Northeast winds gusted to 24 mph at Stapleton International Airport.

30-31

In 1896…heavy snowfall totaled 7.5 inches in downtown Denver. Northwest winds gusted to 26 mph.

In 1897…rain changed to snow during the early morning of the 30th and totaled 6.2 inches before ending during the late morning of the 31st. Northwest winds were sustained to 35 mph with gusts to 46 mph.

In 1929…heavy snowfall of 7.0 inches was recorded over downtown Denver. Northwest winds were sustained to 23 mph on the 30th.

In 1953…heavy snowfall totaled 8.6 inches at Stapleton Airport where northeast winds gusted to 23 mph.

In 1955…a vigorous cold front produced north winds at 40 mph with gusts as high as 54 mph at Stapleton Airport. Rain and snow showers and blowing dust accompanied the front. Snowfall totaled only 0.1 inch at Stapleton Airport on the 31st.

In 1988…snow began falling on the afternoon of the 30th and continued through the 31st…burying metro Denver. Twelve to 18 inches of snow fell in the foothills to the west of Denver and Boulder with 6 to 12 inches across the rest of metro Denver. The storm disrupted aircraft operations at Stapleton International Airport where snowfall totaled 7.1 inches and north winds gusting to 32 mph reduced the visibility to less than 1/4 mile at times…causing air traffic delays of 2 to 3 hours.

In 2000…heavy snow once again developed over the foothills and the higher terrain to the south of metro Denver. Snowfall totals from the storm included: 16 inches atop Squaw Mountain…15 inches near Rollinsville…13 inches near Evergreen…12 inches near Morrison…11 inches in Coal Creek Canyon…10 inches near Blackhawk and in Eldorado Springs…9 inches at Ken Caryl Ranch and Larkspur… And 8 inches near Elizabeth. Snowfall totaled only 4.1 inches at the site of the former Stapleton International Airport. North winds gusted to 32 mph at Denver International Airport on the 30th.

In 2005…a strong spring storm intensified over the eastern plains of Colorado and produced near-blizzard conditions to the east and southeast of Denver overnight. North to northwest winds from 20 to 35 mph with gusts to 50 mph produced extensive blowing snow and caused near zero visibilities at times and snow drifts from 2 to 4 feet in depth. Snowfall amounts included: 12 inches near Bennett…8 inches around Castle Rock… 7 inches near Sedalia…and 6 inches near Parker. Only 0.3 inch of snow was reported at Denver Stapleton. At Denver International Airport…north winds gusted to 37 mph on the 30th and 36 mph on the 31st.

31

In 1873…high winds damaged buildings in the city. Northwest winds with sustained velocities to near 40 mph blew from 9:00 am until sunset.

In 1937…north to northeast winds sustained to 25 mph with gusts to 32 mph produced a light dust storm in the city during the afternoon.

In 1971…wind gusts to 92 mph were recorded in the south hills area of Boulder. At the National Bureau of Standards in Boulder sustained winds of 46 mph with gusts to 83 mph were measured. Damage was minor. Northwest winds gusted to 41 mph at Stapleton International Airport.

In 1983…high winds with gusts to 70 mph in Boulder caused minor damage.

31-1

In 1876…heavy snow began during the night and lasted all day on the 31st and through the morning of the 1st. The average depth of snow fall was 10 to 12 inches…but strong winds whipped the snow into drifts of 8 to 10 feet deep on the streets of the city. Precipitation from the storm was 1.03 inches on the 31st and 0.37 inch on the 1st.

In 1891…heavy moist snowfall totaled 18.0 inches in the city. Northeast winds were sustained to 20 mph with gusts to 24 mph on the 31st.

In 1936…northeast winds sustained to 21 mph produced a light dust storm in the city.

In 1975…a major storm dumped 9.3 inches of snowfall at Stapleton International Airport where northwest winds gusted to 41 mph. Rain changed to snow on the afternoon of the 31st…reducing the visibility to as low as 1/8 mile. Snow continued all day on the 1st and accumulated to a depth of 8 inches on the ground. The minimum temperature of 10 degrees on the 1st set a new record low for the date.

Continue reading March 31 to April 6: This Week in Denver Weather History →