As Denver wakes up to clear skies this Thanksgiving, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on the city’s Thanksgiving climatology. Snowfall yesterday added a wintery prelude to the holiday, but the weather today is shaping up to be quiet and seasonally cool. Over the years, Denver’s Thanksgiving weather has ranged from sunny and mild to frigid and snowy, offering a glimpse into the city’s variable climate.
Temperatures: A History of Extremes
Thanksgiving Day in Denver has experienced dramatic temperature swings over the decades. The warmest Thanksgiving on record occurred on November 25, 1909, with a high of 73°F. Other notably warm Thanksgivings include November 28, 1901, and November 26, 1998, both peaking at 72°F. Conversely, the coldest Thanksgiving was November 29, 1877, when temperatures plunged to -18°F.
On average, Denver records a high temperature of 48.6°F and a low of 23.7°F on Thanksgiving. However, extremes aren’t unusual. Some years see daytime highs struggle to rise above freezing, while overnight lows can dip well below zero.
Precipitation and Snow: A Mixed Bag
Precipitation on Thanksgiving is relatively rare but not unheard of, with measurable precipitation occurring about 18% of the time. The wettest Thanksgiving on record was November 29, 1928, with 0.44 inches of precipitation, which also made it the snowiest Thanksgiving, with 8.5 inches of snow.
Notable snowy Thanksgivings include November 26, 1987, with 5.0 inches, and November 27, 1997, with 4.8 inches. The most recent Thanksgiving with measurable snowfall was in 2015, when 1 inch fell. While snowstorms are uncommon on Thanksgiving itself, they occasionally grace the holiday season.
Yesterday’s Snowfall Sets the Scene
Wednesday’s snowfall served as a festive backdrop to the holiday preparations. While not particularly heavy, it reminded Denverites of the city’s long history of variable Thanksgiving weather. Today’s holiday weather is much calmer, with cool temperatures and clear skies—a stark contrast to some of the snow-covered Thanksgivings of the past.
Concluding Thoughts: A Seasonal Gamble
Thanksgiving in Denver highlights the city’s unpredictable climate. From warm, sunny days to snowy, frosty mornings, the holiday weather reflects Denver’s dynamic conditions. This variability is part of the charm, adding an element of surprise to Thanksgiving traditions.
This Thanksgiving, with yesterday’s snow fresh in memory and clear skies overhead, Denver residents can embrace the holiday’s spirit, whatever the weather brings.
Thanksgiving 2024 Weather Update: Storms Across the East Coast
As Thanksgiving unfolds across the country, a powerful storm system is impacting much of the United States, especially the East Coast. A dynamic mid-latitude cyclone is tracking from the Mississippi Valley through the Upper Ohio Valley, reaching New England by tonight.
Rain, Snow, and Winter Storm Watches
The storm is bringing widespread rain and heavy snow, particularly to the Northeast. Winter storm watches are in effect for parts of central New England, where significant snowfall is expected. Higher elevations are likely to see the heaviest accumulations.
Lake Effect Snow Intensifies
As colder air settles over the Great Lakes, lake effect snow is intensifying, particularly along Michigan’s northern coastline. The Upper Peninsula could see 4-8 inches of snow, with additional accumulation in northern Lower Michigan. A strong cold front moving through late today will enhance snowbands into the weekend.
Temperature Trends
Behind the storm, much colder air is spreading into the Great Plains and Mississippi Valley. Below-average temperatures are expected to persist through the holiday weekend, while Florida remains mild and pleasant.
From Denver’s snowy Thanksgiving Eve to storms sweeping the East, this year’s holiday weather showcases the diversity and unpredictability of the season.