A tale of two September 3rds: 94 degrees versus 4.2 inches of snow

This year on September 3 Denver reached an official high temperature of 94 degrees.  Here in Thornton  we topped out at 95 degrees.

Providing a stark contrast is a look back at this date 52 years ago.

On September 3, 1961 a winter-like system delivered 4.2 inches of snow to the Mile High City with the foothills receiving a foot of the white stuff.  This is the earliest date for a seasonal snowfall on record.  Temperatures that day dropped to 33 degrees, the earliest in the season it has ever been that cold.

The comparison highlights the extremes that Colorado can experience in September (much like most other months).  Which would you prefer?  Heat or snow?

Related:

September, a Month of Extremes. Comparison of weather in Denver on September 3, 2013 with the weather on September 3, 1961. (National Weather Service)
September, a Month of Extremes. Comparison of weather in Denver on September 3, 2013 with the weather on September 3, 1961. (National Weather Service)

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