Hot or cold: Denver's problematic weather records. (Denver Weather Examiner)
Does a move of 12 miles make a difference in what type of weather is seen in Colorado? Longtime residents know that our weather can vary greatly over short distances and this has many questioning the placement of Denver’s official weather monitoring station.
From 1871 to 1949 Denver’s weather was recorded at the National Weather Service’s office in downtown Denver. In January 1950 a move was made to Stapleton International Airport.
As that facility aged Denver opened Denver International Airport on the plains northeast of Denver in 1995. The weather service followed suit and moved the Mile High City’s official weather station the 12 miles to DIA.
Since that time, many weather watchers have noticed problems – DIA is consistently warmer and drier than the old site at Stapleton. Further, its remote location gives conditions far from where most people in Denver live and thus doesn’t accurately represent what they are experiencing.
Even bigger issues arise when comparing weather data taken today with measurements previously recorded at Stapleton or downtown. The different microclimates of the sites are so different that it becomes much like comparing apples and oranges.
This was recently made evident with the string of 90 degree or warmer days we put together. If you went by the station at DIA, the streak lasted 18 days putting in a three way tie for the second longest streak in Denver history. However, no monitoring station closer to the city was as warm.
Further, while July was certainly a wet month, DIA’s precipitation measurements fell far short of most other locations.
Amid concerns about a warming climate, can we trust the measurements at DIA? How is it possible to compare the weather today with historical weather when there is such a large discrepancy?
We recently tackled this topic on the Denver Weather Examiner and the conclusion is obvious – It simply is impossible to correlate current weather records with Denver’s historical ones. Further, the National Weather Service seems intent on ignoring the issue.
On June 3, 1981 a tornado struck Thornton in what is the worst twister to have struck the Denver metro area. Are you ready should disaster strike again? Image courtesy the City of Thornton archives.
Last month the National Weather Service announced the first batch of storm spotter training sessions for the spring but notably missing was any in the north metro area. That has now been rectified as two sessions at Front Range Community College were added for next week.
Severe weather is a fact of life in Colorado – from blizzards to tornadoes we can and do see it all. Each year the weather is responsible for claiming lives in our state and across the nation and the threat is very real. Storm spotter training allows you to learn how to protect yourself and your family while providing a public service.
Education is key to knowing how to protect you and your family. Whether you want to be an official storm spotter or maybe just want to learn more about severe weather, storm spotter training can provide you an incredible opportunity to learn.
The storm spotter program is a nationwide program with more than 280,000 trained spotters. These volunteers report weather hazards to their local National Weather Service office providing vital information when severe strikes. Data from spotters include severe wind, rain, snow measurements, thunderstorms and hail and of course tornadoes.
Storm spotters are part of the ranks of citizens who form the Nation’s first line of defense against severe weather. There can be no finer reward than to know that their efforts have given communities the precious gift of time–seconds and minutes that can help save lives.
By completing one of these training classes you can become an official storm spotter. When severe weather strikes, you can report it by calling a special toll free number or submit your report via the National Weather Service’s website.
These are great sessions for anyone wanting to learn more about the severe weather we experience in Colorado, whether you want to be an official spotter or not. All training is free. Topics include:
Below are the dates, times and locations announced thus far with the first occurring today. At the current time only one is in the north metro area but more may be added. We will try to keep this updated but you can click here for any new dates on the National Weather Service website.
March, 2011 – Upcoming
Day
City, State
Time
Location
14
Castle Rock, CO
(Douglas County)
6:30pm MDT
Black Feather Condominium Club House 403 Black Feather Loop Castle Rock, Colorado, 80104
Contact Information: kc0mht@msn.com
15
Westminster, CO
(Adams County)
3:30pm MDT
Front Range Community College 3645 West 112th Ave. room B1101…note room change. Westminster, CO 80031
Contact Information: Rachel.Humphrey@Colorado.EDU
15
Centennial, CO
(Arapahoe County)
6:30pm MDT
Arapahoe County Sheriff Dept. 13101 East Broncos Parkway Centennial, CO
Contact Information: CStelter@co.arapahoe.co.us
15
Westminster, CO
(Adms County)
7:00pm MDT
Front Range Community College 3645 West 112th Ave. room B1101…note room change. Westminster, CO 80031
Contact Information: Rachel.Humphrey@Colorado.EDU
21
Sedgwick, CO
(Sedgwick County)
6:30pm MDT
Sedgwick Fire Department on US 138 on east side of town
Contact Information: sedgwickoem@yahoo.com
22
Holyoke, CO
(Phillips County)
1:00pm MDT
Phillips County Fairgrounds Event Center Holyoke, CO
Contact Information: philcoadmin@pctelcom.coop
22
Haxtun, CO
(Phillips County)
6:30pm MDT
Haxtun Volunteer Fire Dept.
Contact Information: Robert.glancy@noaa.gov
29
Akron, CO
(Washington County)
6:30pm MDT
Washington County Events Center, Washington County Fairgrounds
Contact Information: mmccaleb@co.washington.co.us
31
Greeley, CO
(Weld County)
6:30pm MDT
Weld County Training center, 1104 H Street Greeley, co
Contact Information: Rrudisill@co.weld.co.us
April, 2011 – Upcoming
Day
City, State
Time
Location
04
Sterling, CO
(Logan County)
6:30pm MDT
Sterling Public Library 425 North 5th Street Sterling, CO
Contact Information: OWENS@sterlingcolo.com
05
Fort Morgan, CO
(Morgan County)
6:30pm MDT
note location change to: American Legion Hall 121 Nelson Road Fort Morgan, CO
Contact Information: senfante@co.morgan.co.us
08
Denver, CO
(Denver County)
6:30pm MDT
Metropolitan state college of denver Tivoli Union, Room 440
Contact Information: Robert.Glancy@noaa.gov
09
Kiowa, CO
(Elbert County)
9:00am MDT
Elbert County Public Health 75 Ute Avenue, Kiowa, CO
A proposed 30% cut in the National Weather Service's budget could lead to greater loss of life. (Examiner.com)
The National Weather Service is the nation’s frontline of defense against many forms of threats from Mother Nature. As the sole agency responsible for issuing weather related warnings and alerts, a proposed massive cut in the budget for the service could have dire consequences.
Colorado’s weather is as varied as any state in the union. Our true four seasons allow us to witness the entire gamut of weather from scorching hot summers to winters buried in feet of snow to springtime severe weather with damaging and deadly tornadoes. Knowing what is going on with the weather is critical in allowing us to protect ours and families’ lives.
Budget cuts being proposed in Washington DC could severely decrease the accuracy and frequency of weather related information we receive. A massive cut of $126 million to the National Weather Service’s budget is being proposed – a full 30% cut in funding for a service that provides information that saves lives every day.
When you view a detailed forecast on ThorntonWeather.com that is specifically for Thornton, you are viewing data provided by the National Weather Service. Our radar imagery, weather radio, the watches and warnings that we post – all originate from the National Weather Service.
On June 3, 1981, Thornton was the site of the most destructive tornado in the history of the Denver metro area. Storm spotter training gives you the education you need to keep you and your family safe. (City of Thornton archives)
Severe weather is a fact of life in Colorado – from blizzards to tornadoes we can and do see it all. Each year the weather is responsible for claiming lives in our state and across the nation and the threat is very real. Storm spotter training allows you to learn how to protect yourself and your family while providing a public service.
Education is key to knowing how to protect you and your family. Whether you want to be an official storm spotter or maybe just want to learn more about severe weather, storm spotter training can provide you an incredible opportunity to learn.
The storm spotter program is a nationwide program with more than 280,000 trained spotters. These volunteers report weather hazards to their local National Weather Service office providing vital information when severe strikes. Data from spotters include severe wind, rain, snow measurements, thunderstorms and hail and of course tornadoes.
Storm spotters are part of the ranks of citizens who form the Nation’s first line of defense against severe weather. There can be no finer reward than to know that their efforts have given communities the precious gift of time–seconds and minutes that can help save lives.
By completing one of these training classes you can become an official storm spotter. When severe weather strikes, you can report it by calling a special toll free number or submit your report via the National Weather Service’s website.
On June 3, 1981, Thornton was the site of the most destructive tornado in the history of the Denver metro area. The City of Thornton is now evaluating options to warn residents of severe weather threats. (City of Thornton archives)
Visitors to ThorntonWeather.com have often asked us if the city was taking any steps to protect its citizens and warn them about severe weather. The city – and Adams County – are lacking any type of alert system. Following last year’s ‘Summer of Storms,’ we were told the city would look into it.
Current options for citizens range from the Emergency Alert System used by television and radio broadcasters, free and pay Internet services as well as NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (weather radio). As we have discussed previously, these systems have their limitations.
At this week’s city council update session, the Thornton City Council heard a presentation from city staff on the alternatives available. Utilizing Reverse 911 and contracting with a third party provider were two of the items discussed.
Read the presentation city staff gave to the Thornton City Council below
In trying to identify ways to keep citizens aware of deteriorating weather conditions, city staff told council, “Technology is changing so quickly that supporting a single system would not be efficient.”
The Denver area is at the western edge of Tornado Alley and as we have seen historically and in recent days, the danger is real. Click image for larger view. Image courtesy NOAA.
Rather than implement their own system, staff recommended the city rely upon the federal government and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) forthcoming Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS).
Slated for widespread deployment in 2010, IPAWS will take the old Emergency Alert System and move it into the modern age by leveraging new communication technologies such as email and cellular phones.
Mayor Erik Hansen told ThorntonWeather.com, “The City of Thornton recognizes the dangers of severe weather and we are actively working to identify solutions to protect its citizens.”
While the city waits for IPAWS, staff said they recommend the “development of a Weather Awareness Public Education Program that would be implemented in the spring of each year.” They further would work to encourage residents to purchase weather radios.
ThorntonWeather.com’s Take
We are pleased that the city is finally taking some steps in the right direction – albeit 29 years late.
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards is essential to protecting you and your family.
The implementation of a severe weather education program is also a step in the right direction, assuming it takes the form of something more substantial than the simple brochure the city developed this year.
Each spring the National Weather Service (NWS) offers storm spotter training seminars. These would likely be overkill for average citizens however we think it would be ideal for the City of Thornton to partner with the Denver / Boulder NWS office to offer education sessions for citizens. These could be taped and then shown on Channel 8 and on the city’s website.
We do have our reservations about waiting for and relying on the forthcoming IPAWS system when commercial systems are available, proven and ready now for the city to implement. Big government projects rarely are completed on time and often do not perform as expected. Hopes are high for IPAWS but we are cautious on giving it any sort of endorsement.
Granted, severe weather on par with the 1981 tornado is rare however last year’s severe weather and the Windsor tornado of two years ago show the danger is present. If a warning system saves one life, the cost incurred is well worth it and we hope the city continues to stay on top of this issue – we will certainly be watching.
What is the best way to get information about severe weather? A weather radio. (File photo)
No matter whether it is a blizzard in the winter or tornadoes and hail in the summer, it is important that everyone knows where to turn for information about developing weather conditions. Keeping an eye on the sky is fine but oftentimes there is dangerous weather brewing that you may not see.
How dangerous is the weather? Consider this: In 2008, 566 people across the United States were killed by weather-related causes and 2,899 were injured – and that was a below average year. Of those, 12 were Coloradoans that were killed with 100 Coloradoans injured. Over $29 billion was paid out in property and crop losses across the nation, $166 million in Colorado alone.
The danger is real and with the severe weather we have seen recently, residents are wondering how best to keep themselves and their families safe. Tuning in the TV or radio or checking your favorite weather website is one way but what if you aren’t near your computer or don’t have your TV on? What if severe weather strikes in the middle of the night?
It is important to note that there is only one official source for weather related alerts and warnings – the National Weather Service (NWS). All watches, warnings and alerts you see and hear about originate with the NWS and by far the best way to be proactively warned of severe weather is what is commonly referred to as a “weather radio.”
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When a weather watch or warning is issued, it is immediately broadcast on NWR. The system is also used to broadcast information about other civil and weather hazard information like earthquakes, avalanches, chemical spills, terrorist attacks and even AMBER alerts.
This weather radio from Midland (model WR-300) includes SAME area encoding and an AM / FM radio.
It is highly recommended that any weather radio purchased include the SAME feature – Specific Area Message Encoding. Using the SAME feature, users can program a code into the radio for the area in which they live and the radio can then be set to automatically turn on and sound an alert when a weather watch or warning is issued for their area. Users of weather radios with SAME coding can be assured they will be immediately notified in an emergency.
Price and features of weather radios can vary but a good one with the SAME feature can be found for about $30.00. More expensive models may add clock, AM/FM radio and even weather forecasts retrieved from the Internet. There are portable handheld models as well that you can take with you wherever you go.
Finding a weather radio locally may be difficult as there aren’t many stores that carry them. Some Denver area King Soopers and Radio Shack stores have had them so you may call your local store to check. Alternatively, there are many good, trustworthy sites online where they can be purchased including Amazon.com, New Egg and Ambient Weather.
Weather radios provide essential information when severe weather is ready to strike. With a small investment, these units are an essential tool to protecting you and your family.
Do you have questions about weather radios? Post them in the comments section below and ThorntonWeather.com will answer them.
Despite the snowstorm that struck on March 23rd and 24th and the rain that fell beforehand, the National Weather Service says Denver's March precipitation was below normal.
According to the Denver / Boulder office of the National Weather Service, Denver’s March weather was warmer and drier than normal. The latest climate summary from the service would seem to contradict what Denver residents actually experienced, at least in terms of precipitation.
The report starts with a seemingly contradictory statement saying, “Denver’s March 2010 finished with below normal liquid moisture in spite of finishing above normal in the snowfall category.”
According to the report, Denver recorded 0.80 inch of precipitation, well below the normal of 1.28 inches. Most of that occurred in conjunction with the snowstorm on the 23rd of the month when the official measuring station at Denver International Airport (DIA) reported 0.61 inch of precipitation. By contrast, ThorntonWeather.com recorded 1.42 inches of precipitation from that storm alone and 1.90 inches for the month.
Overall for the season, Denver has recorded 58.8 inches of snow which is 7.5 inches above the average snowfall up to this point. Denver’s snow season runs from July through June and we average 61.7 inches over that period so for 2010 we are quickly approaching a ‘normal’ year.
The average temperature as recorded at DIA was 41.0 degrees which was 1.4 degrees above the normal of 39.6 degrees. Temperatures for the month ranged from a high of 82 degrees on the 30th down to a low of 13 degrees on the 20th. The 82 degree high temperature on the 30th broke the record for that date of 81 degrees set way back in 1879.
Controversy once again surrounds measurements in latest report
The March 2010 climate summary once again highlights the problem. Comparison of temperature records for DIA versus areas closer to historical monitoring locations continue to show discrepancies. Standing out even more are precipitation records that are curious at best, ridiculous at worst given the wet snowstorm that struck on the 23rd and 24th.
The Denver Weather Examiner is in the process of updating our previous investigation and will have an updated report soon. In the meantime, you may wish to look at the results of the investigation we conducted last year.
Hurricane Ike bears down onto the upper Texas coastline with category 2 wind speed of 110 mph, September, 2008. (NOAA)
Beginning this hurricane season, NOAA’s National Weather Service will use a revamped hurricane rating system that does away with storm surge effects of each category. The new scale, called the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale will use wind as its only determining factor.
Herbert Saffir and Robert Simpson developed the original Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale as a way to communicate the threat of hurricanes based on their power and released it to the public in 1973. In addition to wind, the scale used storm surge as a factor when determining a storm’s category rating.
Since then, scientists have realized that the amount of storm surge generated by a hurricane can vary greatly, well outside the wind guidelines of the original scale. According to NOAA, the storm intensity, size, pressure and the underwater topography near where a hurricane is going to make landfall make a large difference.
In announcing the new scale, NOAA pointed two recent storms to convey the problem with the old scale. Hurricane Ike made landfall along the Texas coast in 2008. While only a Category 2 storm, it produced storm surge of 15 to 20 feet. By contrast, Hurricane Charley in 2004 was a Category 4 storm that struck Florida but only generated a 6 to 7 foot storm surge.
Storm surge is extremely dangerous and flooding resulting from it and the tremendous rains generated by hurricanes claim more lives than wind. As such, storm surge forecasts will continue however they will be independent of the hurricane ratings. Beginning this year, when discussing surge, it will be expressed in height above ground level to help residents understand the potential for flooding in their area.
The revamped scale also was accompanied by new descriptions of wind impact while retaining the same wind speeds that were previously used.
Tornadoes can and do strike at night and during winter months. Are you prepared?
Tornadoes are one of nature’s most violent storms. Able to strike without warning, they bring death and destruction with frightening frequency. Twisters can be scary enough to just think about and when you consider one striking at night when you can’t see it and aren’t expecting it, the odds of survival diminish.
Over the last three years, there has been an average of 1297 tornadoes per year and on average 91 tornado-related deaths per year. While not as common during the winter months, tornadoes can and do occur every month of the year and they do strike at night.
Seeking to draw attention to the dangers nighttime tornadoes present, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its National Weather Service announced an effort to increase awareness. In a press release today, the services said that with the El Niño conditions we are experiencing, Florida and the Gulf Coast region stand a greater risk of tornadoes.
NOAA reminded all residents of the United States that a NOAA All Hazards Radio is the first line in defense against not only tornadoes, but all natural disasters. Also announced were new severe weather outlooks that will be issued when conditions are favorable for such storms.
Denver now as an official weather monitoring station closer to downtown but some say this doesn't solve the problem of the city's climate records being altered. (Examiner.com)
It only took 14 years but Denver finally has an official monitoring station near downtown again. The new station amongst the greens of City Park Golf Course finally gives residents of Denver a place to see what the weather is doing closer to home.
With the opening of Denver International Airport in 1995, the National Weather Service moved its station to the new airport. That distance of 12 miles from the old Stapleton facility to DIA confounded citizens, television meteorologists and weather enthusiasts as they all noted that no one lives out at the airport and the conditions reported there do not reflect what is happening closer to town.
Recognizing the problem, a public-private partnership came together to do what they could to rectify the problem. The City and County of Denver, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the National Weather Service and NOAA, 7News Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson and Colorado State Climatologist Nolan Doesken identified a site for the new station.
Eclar Fence and Mercury Electric donated the infrastructure for the new site. Weather equipment manufacturer Vaisala donated the weather monitoring hardware and services, estimated at up to $60,000.
You can view the data from the new station right here on ThorntonWeather.com. Visit our ‘Station Historical Data’ page and select ‘Denver (City Park)’ from the dropdown box.
Certainly there is little doubt the new station will provide area residents the ability to view conditions closer to where they actually live. The new station will not however address the very real problem of Denver’s climate records having been altered since the move to DIA. The National Weather Service has said the official records for Denver will still come out of DIA and as such many believe those records come with an asterisk.
