Hurricanes and tsunamis are in store for Colorado this April 1st!!!! …………just kidding 😀
As Denver welcomes another April 1st, it’s worth taking a look back at the city’s historical weather patterns on this day. From warm, sunny conditions to snow-covered landscapes, April Fools’ Day has seen a wide range of weather over the years.
A Century and a Half of April 1st Weather
Since records began in 1872, Denver’s April 1st climate has displayed remarkable variability. Here are some key takeaways from 150 years of data:
- Average Temperature: 43.9°F
- Warmest High: 84°F (2012)
- Coldest High: 18°F (1936)
- Warmest Low: 55°F (1946)
- Coldest Low: 10°F (1975)
- Highest Precipitation: 1.29 inches (1905)
- Greatest Snowfall: 9.0 inches (1891)
- Deepest Snow Depth: 7 inches (1975)
Patterns and Trends
Denver’s April 1st weather is generally mild, with a median high of 60°F and a median low of 32°F. However, significant swings in temperature have occurred. For instance, 1936 saw a frigid high of only 18°F, while 2012 soared to 84°F.
While snowfall on April 1st is rare, it has happened. The most extreme example came in 1891 when Denver was buried under 9 inches of snow. In total, 141 of the 150 recorded years saw at least a trace of snowfall, but most of the time, it was minimal.
Precipitation: Wet and Dry Extremes
April 1st in Denver is often dry, with 60% of recorded years experiencing no measurable precipitation. However, 1905 was an outlier, with a downpour of 1.29 inches of rain. Recent years have also seen occasional wet spells, such as in 2024, when 0.35 inches of rain fell.
What Can We Expect This Year?
While history provides insight, April in Denver is always unpredictable. Whether this year’s April 1st brings sunshine, rain, or even snow, one thing is certain—Denverites should always be prepared for a bit of weather-related trickery on April Fools’ Day!