Category Archives: Climatology

Climatology, Thornton Weather

Thornton’s June 2021 weather preview: Temps increase as do chances for severe weather

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Thornton's June weather preview.Extreme weather can occur during in month in Colorado we well know.  June however is when traditional spring severe weather arrives in the state oftentimes with hail, damaging wind and tornadoes.

Over 40 percent of the tornadoes that occur in Colorado happen during the month of June.  Far more common are thunderstorms with hail and wind, each responsible for extensive damage each year.

While severe weather is common, so too are brilliantly sunny and mild days as we close out spring and enter summer.  If you are looking for cold, it isn’t likely but it is possible as the Denver area has seen freezing temperatures and yes, even snow, during the month.

Read more about Thornton and Denver’s June weather and a look ahead at this year.

Climatology, Thornton Weather

Thornton sees more precipitation so far in 2021 than in all of 2020

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Thornton, Colorado's 2021 precipitation summary through May 24. (ThorntonWeather.com)
Thornton, Colorado’s 2021 precipitation summary through May 24. Click for larger view. (ThorntonWeather.com)

Certainly we are all keenly aware of how wet this year has seemed so far and the numbers back up that feeling.

Every month so far this year has seen above average precipitation (based on 16-year running average) and we have in fact received more precipitation so far this year than in all of last year.

Our current total for 2021 is at 9.86 inches. This is in comparison to the 9.73 inches we received in ALL of last year. This also is nearly 3 inches above our January through May average of 6.94 inches.

These numbers certainly help to ease drought and wildfire concerns. However, Mother Nature can be very fickle and turn off the spout at any moment. We will need consistent, solid numbers throughout the rest of spring and summer to truly put any fears to rest.

Climatology, Thornton Weather

Thornton’s May 2021 preview: From snow to severe storms

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Thornton, Colorado May 2013 weather preview.
Thornton, Colorado May 2013 weather preview.

Colorado’s famously highly variable weather seems to showcase itself during the month of May when a variety of weather conditions can be seen.

Winter-like temperatures and snow are possible as are mid-summer like temperatures or the more typical spring severe weather.

As the month starts out in 2021 we are going to enjoy unseasonably warm conditions for the first of the month then begin a period of cool, wet weather conditions. Long range forecasts portend an overall warmer than normal month with equal chances of below, at or above normal precipitation.

The month can certainly bring extremes.  Snow is not entirely uncommon during the month, oftentimes causing damage to newly bloomed trees.  More common however is severe weather, particularly in the latter half of the month.  Thunderstorms become more frequent and their associated hazards – lightning, wind, hail and tornadoes – are usual visitors.

For a complete look at what lies ahead for the month of May, check out our full preview here.

Climatology, Thornton Weather

Denver sets record high temperature for April 4

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Record High Temperature

Following on yesterday’s record-tying mercury reading, Denver bested that with a record-setting high temperature today.

As measured at Denver International Airport, the Mile High City’s official high temperature reached 80 degrees. This easily breaks the previous record high for April 4 of 76 degrees set in 1959.

Here in Thornton, we were even warmer with a high of 81 degrees.

Climatology, Thornton Weather

Thornton’s April 2021 weather preview: Winter, spring and summer all in one month

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Thornton's April weather previewApril marks a transition between winter and summer for most of the country but for Denver it is especially true as we can see a stunning variety of weather.

The proverbial April showers are certainly a possibility for Denver. Snow? Tornadoes? Thunderstorms? You bet – all can happen!

For good measure throw in a chance for hail and even dust storms and April gives every type of weather condition you could like – or hate.

Climatology, Thornton Weather

Denver ties record high temperature for April 3

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Record High Temperature

A beautiful day along the Colorado Front Range and one that has entered the record books.

As measured at Denver International Airport, the official high temperature today in the Mile High City topped out at 78 degrees. This tied the record high for April 3 set in 1943.

Here in Thornton, we were just a touch warmer with a high of 79 degrees.

Tomorrow looks to be a record-setter as well. The record high for April 4 is 76 degrees set in 1967 and years prior. With a forecast indicating highs near 80 degrees, that record will likely fall.

Climatology, Thornton Weather

Thornton’s March 2021 preview: Temps warm considerably but snow a very real possibility

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The month of March in Denver is usually one that is welcomed heartily by residents. We begin to shake off the cold of winter with warmer temperatures and calmer conditions. That does not mean we are done with snow and cold by any means.

March usually offers healthy snowfall giving us an opportunity to add to our seasonal totals.  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 2021, click here.

Climatology, Thornton Weather

Denver sets record low temperature for February 14

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Record Cold Temperatures

It’s a cold one and one that easily enters the record books.

As measured at Denver International Airport, the Mile High City saw a low temperature of -14 degrees. This easily bests the previous record low for February 14 of -10 degrees set in 1903.

Additionally, the high temperature only reached 1 degree. This is the coldest high temperature recorded for the date. The old record was 8 degrees set in 1895.

Here in Thornton we didn’t get quite as cold with a low of -9 degrees and a high of 5 degrees.

Climatology, Thornton Weather

Thornton’s February 2021 weather preview: Temps begin to warm, snow can be elusive

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February in Colorado typically brings to an end an extended period when average temperatures are at their lowest. Winter begins to loosen its grip and temperatures get warmer but precipitation is not a particularly common event during the month.

Thus far, our snow season has been a bit of a disappointment. Things looked hopeful at the start but the last couple of months have seen things really lag .  February is only our sixth snowiest month so we may not see much improvement in the seasonal totals this month.

Temperatures however do usually see a nice rebound during the month. Average high temperatures climb from an average of 44 degrees at the start to 50 degrees by the end of February.

For the complete February preview including a look at historical averages and extremes as well as a look at what long range forecasts are predicting, click here. 

Climatology, Thornton Weather

Denver’s Christmas weather not usually white

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As Christmas gets closer everyone always wonders if we are going to get the proverbial white Christmas. Unfortunately, if you look at Denver and Thornton weather history, the chances aren’t all that good but it also depends on what you define as a white Christmas.

If to you a white Christmas means having actual snowfall on Christmas Day the chances aren’t that good. But, if simply having snow on the ground suffices, the chances improve considerably.

For a complete look at Denver’s Christmas weather statistics, click here.

For the latest Thornton weather forecast for Christmas, check out our forecast page.

White Christmas probability map for the contiguous United States. Click for larger view. (NOAA)
White Christmas probability map for the contiguous United States. Click for larger view. (NOAA)