For the most part the Mile High City’s temperatures were on track to be pretty average this summer – up until the last half of August and first part of September.  Since that time numerous high temperature records have been smashed and the number of days with temperatures over 90 degrees climbed.

As measured at Denver International Airport, Denver has officially recorded 54 days this year with high temperatures at or above 90 degrees.  This puts 2013 into the books as tied for 6th place with 2006 and 2007 for the number of 90 degree days.

On average Denver sees 40 90 degree days a year with the last one falling, on average, on September 4th.  The latest we have seen a 90 degree day was on October 1, 1892.

The grid below, from the National Weather Service, shows the top 20 years of 90+ degrees with the monthly distributions.

How has Thornton fared by comparison?  As usual we were cooler than the airport having recorded 47 days with 90 degree or higher temperatures.  Of those, we recorded none in May, 10 in June, 14 in July, 16 in August, and 7 in September.

Certainly it is possible we could see those numbers increase before the year is out.  However long term trends are toward cooler and wetter weather so it is likely we are done for this year.