Denver is no stranger to dramatic weather, but the city’s history of extreme temperature changes and bone-chilling cold spells is nothing short of extraordinary. While the current cold snap has left Denverites shivering— more than a 40-degree drop in just a few hours—it pales in comparison to some of the jaw-dropping records set over the past 150 years.
Largest Single-Day Temperature Swings
The most remarkable single-day temperature change in Denver’s history occurred on January 25, 1872, when the temperature skyrocketed by 66 degrees, from a frigid low of -20°F to a relatively balmy high of 46°F. Such drastic shifts, while rare, underscore Denver’s unique position on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, where weather systems can clash dramatically.
Recent history isn’t without its own notable swings. On December 21, 2022, the city experienced a 61-degree plunge, going from a high of 51°F to a low of -10°F, earning it the third spot on the all-time list of largest same-day temperature changes.
Two-Day and Three-Day Extremes
If a single day’s wild ride wasn’t enough, Denver has also seen jaw-dropping temperature swings over two- and three-day periods. The most significant two-day change occurred on December 14, 2008, when temperatures swung 76 degrees, plunging from a high of 58°F to a low of -18°F. Similarly, the largest three-day change took place on December 11, 1919, with an 81-degree shift from 60°F to -21°F.
This week’s cold spell has added its mark to the record books. On January 16-17, 2024, Denver endured a two-day temperature swing of 66 degrees, with temperatures diving from 47°F to a biting low of -19°F.
Coldest Temperatures in Denver History
Denver has also endured its share of Arctic blasts, with 30 instances of temperatures plunging to -20°F or lower since records began in 1872. The coldest day ever recorded in Denver occurred on January 9, 1875, when the mercury plummeted to a bone-chilling -29°F.
More recently, the city recorded a low of -24°F on December 22, 2022, tied for the 8th coldest temperature in the city’s history. While this year’s cold hasn’t reached those depths, it’s a stark reminder of Denver’s capacity for winter’s fury.
Why Does Denver Experience Such Extremes?
Denver’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains plays a significant role in its dramatic weather patterns. Chinook winds—warm, downslope winds—can rapidly raise temperatures in winter, while Arctic air masses descending from Canada can just as quickly plunge them. This interplay between warm and cold air masses creates the perfect recipe for extreme temperature swings.
Denverites Are No Strangers to the Cold
While the Mile High City’s winters can be brutally cold, they also showcase the resilience and adaptability of its residents. Whether it’s donning extra layers during Arctic outbreaks or marveling at the wild swings in temperature, Denverites take pride in their city’s meteorological drama.
As this cold spell grips the region, it’s worth reflecting on the incredible records set by Denver’s weather history. While today’s temperatures might feel extreme, they’re part of a long legacy of weather that never ceases to amaze.