Another high temperature record in the books for summer 2021.
As measured at Denver International Airport, the Mile High City’s temperature topped out at 100 degrees today. This easily bests the record high for the date of 98 degrees set 145 years ago in 1876.
Here in Thornton, we matched the 100 degree mark. This was our fifth 100+ degree day of the year in Thornton, more than any other year in the past 15 since Thornton Weather came online.
Change is of course the one constant in Denver’s weather but come July, things actually get pretty consistent.
The standard formula for a day in July is a sunny morning, clouds developing in the late morning and early afternoon. Come mid-afternoon, thunderstorms are rolling off of the foothills and into the metro area and the eastern plains. These storms do occasionally reach severe status containing hail, gusty winds and heavy downpours of rain.
Check out our July weather preview for a complete look at what is in store for the month ahead.
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.
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.
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.
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.
April 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.
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.
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.
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.