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A photograph of Denver International Airport

February 2024 Skyview Weather Monthly Newsletter

Feature Article

Relocating Weather Stations: The Impact on Denver’s Historical Precipitation Records

Introduction

Meteorology relies heavily on historical climatological data to understand weather patterns and fluctuations over time. The controlled aspect of the data is usually the location of the weather station taking the information, as different locations can vary significantly when it comes to temperatures, precipitation, humidity, etc. Even if those locations are relatively close by. Denver, Colorado, however, provides a fascinating case where the location of weather data collection has moved several times over the course of 150 years. Thus, creating a challenge when it comes to comparing historical records to current weather conditions.

Denver’s Weather Data Collection Over Time

Map of the Northeast quadrant of the Denver Metro Area with Denver.
Map of the Northeast quadrant of the Denver Metro Area with Denver, Stapleton, and DIA marked. The distance between Denver and Stapleton is represented by a purple line indicating 5.5 miles. The distance between Denver and DIA is represented by a cyan line indicating 18.5 miles.

Since its inception in 1872, Denver’s weather data collection has undergone three major relocations, each introducing unique challenges and implications for historical records. The journey began in the downtown area of Denver, where data was diligently recorded until December 1949.

It is worth noting that between 1872 and 1949, the location changed 10 times, however, all were well within 1 mile of each other. Weather patterns largely do not change with such a short distance, and if they do, the changes are minuscule. For simplicity, the first location will be considered “Downtown Denver”.

By 1950, Denver’s official reporting location moved roughly 5.5 miles east-northeast to Stapleton Airport. In March of 1995, the official data collection station was relocated once more to Denver International Airport (DIA), a significant 18.5 miles away from its original location. To put this into perspective, this is roughly the same distance to Lafayette, CO or Parker, CO, where weather is vastly different in comparison to Denver due to elevation and topography differences. Elevation and topography are just some of the factors that differ between locations, for example, DIA does not account for the weather phenomenon known as the “urban heat island” that Denver experiences often.

The Ripple Effect on Precipitation Data

Top 20 Wettest Years (1872-Present)

RankTotalYear
123.311967
222.961973
322.961909
421.871965
521.581957
621.521969
721.431891
821.421923
920.961999
1020.361979
1120.321991
1220.191983
1320.121876
1420.031987
1519.611914
1619.591997
1719.491883
1819.461938
1919.431951
2019.011961

The impact of these relocations becomes evident when analyzing precipitation records for Denver, particularly for the year 2023. The Denver International Airport reported 18.94 inches of precipitation during 2023. While this is much wetter than other years, this amount is relatively unremarkable when compared to the top 20 wettest years in Denver per the National Weather Service.

However, the story of 2023’s precipitation in Denver changes significantly when looking into locations closer to the town center. A weather station located within a mile of Stapleton Airport’s control tower recorded 20.40 inches of precipitation in 2023. This significant difference not only places 2023 on the list of the top 20 wettest years but puts it at 10th place, surpassing 1979 at 20.36 inches.

Conclusion

2023 proved to be quite a ‘wet’ year when comparing it to the top 20 wettest years from NWS and is a great example of why one should use caution when comparing historical climate data if the weather station has been moved. This information may present the need for a more nuanced approach to interpreting historical weather records that compares the locations before and after the move(s) of a weather station. Only time will tell if 2024 will follow suit or surpass this year in precipitation amounts.  


February Drought Update

February Drought Monitor Map of Colorado issued January 23, 2024.

The drought conditions in Colorado have largely remained static since December 2023. A significant portion of the southwestern region of the state continues to experience drought, with the current snowpack having minimal immediate impact. The influence of snowfall on drought conditions will only become apparent once the spring melt commences. In contrast, the eastern plains have seen a reduction in drought conditions. This improvement can be attributed to the unusually high levels of precipitation recorded in January 2024.

February 2024 Temperature Anomaly Forecast

February Temperature Outlook Map of the US issued January 18, 2024.

The temperature forecast for February 2024 indicates that conditions are expected to align with the seasonal norms across much of the US. However, regions including the Pacific Northwest, Northern Plains, Great Lakes, and Northeast are projected to experience temperatures that exceed the average for this time of year.

The initial days of February have already exhibited the effects of marginally elevated temperatures. These warmer conditions, in conjunction with high levels of atmospheric moisture, have facilitated the occurrence of rain and the deposition of wet, heavy snowfall across a substantial portion of the Plains region.

February 2024 Precipitation Anomaly Forecast

February Precipitation Outlook Map of the US issued January 18, 2024.

The precipitation forecast for February 2024 suggests that most regions of the United States are expected to receive average levels of rainfall. However, recent meteorological events, specifically the winter storm that occurred on February 2nd, suggest a deviation from this projection. This winter storm was characterized by exceptionally high precipitation levels and set new records in the state of Colorado before progressing eastward. Despite being only one week into February, several areas in Colorado have already reported precipitation levels significantly above the monthly average. Current meteorological models indicate the development of another winter system over the Great Basin. This is likely to further increase the monthly precipitation values.

Colorado January Weather Summary

During January 2024, the Denver Metropolitan area was characterized by temperatures that were predominantly below the seasonal average. Denver International Airport (DIA) reported an average daily high temperature of 41.8°F and a daily average low of 14.5°F. The combined average temperature was 28.2°F, which is 3.6°F below the average monthly temperature of 31.8°F. The highest temperatures were recorded on January 30th and 31st, with DIA reaching 61°F. The coldest days were January 15th and 16th, with temperatures plummeting to -19°F. Regarding precipitation, DIA reported 0.28” of liquid precipitation, which is 0.09” below the average of 0.37” for the month of January.

The Colorado Springs airport exhibited similar weather patterns. The average daily high temperature was 42.7°F, with an average daily low of 17.1°F. The combined average temperature for the month was 29.9°F, which is 2°F below the average monthly temperature of 31.9°F. The warmest day was on January 31st, with the temperature peaking at 65°F. The coldest day was January 15th, with the temperature dropping to -10°F. In terms of precipitation, Colorado Springs Airport reported 0.62” of liquid precipitation, which is 0.34” above the average of 0.28” for the month of January. The majority of this precipitation occurred on the 26th, with 0.33” of liquid precipitation recorded.

Pueblo experienced similar weather conditions, with below-average temperatures and slightly above-average precipitation for the month of January. Pueblo recorded an average daily high temperature of 43.9°F and an average daily low of 14.5°F. The warmest day was January 31st, where the airport reached 65°F. The coldest day was January 16th, where the temperature dropped to -11°F. Precipitation was slightly above average for the Pueblo area, with 0.32” of liquid precipitation recorded, which is 0.04” above the average of 0.28” for January. Most of this monthly precipitation occurred between the 4th and 5th, measuring 0.21” within that 24-hour period.

Several storm systems impacted DIA during the month of January, with four storms reporting over a trace. These events occurred on the 7th-8th (reporting 0.7” total), 12th-13th (reporting 0.9” total), 14th-15th (reporting 2.1” total), and the 25th-26th (reporting 0.5” total). These events account for the total snowfall at DIA during the month. However, the winter storms occurring on January 7th-8th and January 25th-26th were responsible for more snow across the metro region than what was measured at DIA. The storm occurring January 7th-8th produced snow totals between 2.0-6.0”, and the storm occurring January 25th-26th produced snow totals between 1.0-3.0” across the Denver metro.

There were four notable winter events across southeastern Colorado during the month of January. The first took place January 4th-5th where widespread light snow from Colorado Springs and Pueblo produced up to 2.5” of snow accumulation. The second notable event occurred January 7th-8th which produced moderate to heavy snow along the Palmer Divide and in portions of North Colorado Springs. The third notable event took place January 18th-19th where a small band of unexpected snowfall developed over Central and Southern Colorado Springs, producing up to 2.0” of new snow. The final notable event occurred January 25th-26th where widespread light to moderate snowfall blanketed Colorado Springs and Northern El Paso County broadly with 3.0-6.0” of snow.

Weather Statistics for Denver International Airport, January 2024

DIA January 2024 Temperature (°F)

Observed ValueNormal ValueDeparture From Normal
Average Max41.8°F44.6°F-2.8°F
Average Min14.5°F18.7°F-4.2°F
Monthly Mean28.2°F31.7°F-3.5°F
Days With Max 90 Or Above000
Days With Max 32 Or Below550
Days With Min 32 Or Below31292
Days With Min 0 Or Below725

DIA January 2024 Liquid Precipitation (Inches)

Observed ValueDate(S)Normal ValueDeparture From Normal
Monthly Total0.28”0.38”-0.10”
Yearly Total0.28”0.38”-0.10”
Greatest In 24 Hours0.09”1/15
Days With Measurable Precip.54.40.6

DIA January 2024 Snowfall Accumulation (Inches)

Observed ValueDate(S)Normal ValueDeparture From Normal
Monthly Total3.6”6.4”-2.8”
Seasonal Total16.2”18.5”-2.3”
Greatest In 24 Hours1.5”1/15
Greatest Depth54.40.6

February 2024 Preview

The month of February 2024 has already been marked by significant meteorological activity, with a ‘spring-like’ snowstorm traversing Colorado from February 2nd to February 3rd. This storm was characterized by relatively warm low-level temperatures and elevated atmospheric moisture levels. These conditions facilitated the deposition of heavy, wet snow across the metropolitan area and foothills. The map below illustrates total snowfall across Colorado (so far) in February:

Skyview Weather Map of Colorado Snowfall from February 1, 2024 through February 6, 2024.

Meteorological forecasts predict the arrival of additional winter storms during the second week of the month. These storms are expected to augment the current snowfall totals for February and may contribute to the alleviation of the prevailing drought conditions across the state. To date, Denver International Airport (DIA) has reported 0.76” of liquid precipitation, surpassing the monthly average by 0.69”. Furthermore, DIA has already recorded 5.5” of snowfall within the initial days of February.

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Denver’s Monthly Temperature, Rainfall, And Snowfall Extremes For February (1872-Present)

Top 20 Warmest February’s

RankAvgYear
143.71954
242.31930
3411925
440.71957
540.51943
640.32017
740.31991
840.31907
940.11992
1040.11904
1139.81932
1239.31976
1339.12000
1439.11888
1539.11886
16391926
1738.81931
1838.61999
1938.61950
2038.51995

Top 20 Wettest February’s

RankTotalYear
12.011934
21.661960
31.441942
41.391953
51.351909
61.341912
71.311959
81.281966
91.281939
101.271965
111.252015
121.241915
131.221881
141.211987
151.111931
161.091923
171.051993
181.051962
191.041964
201.021918

Top 20 Snowiest February’s

RankTotalYear
122.42015
222.11912
320.22012
419.51942
518.31960
618.31909
7181931
817.51959
917.11965
1016.91993
1116.52020
1216.51953
1316.31939
1415.82022
1515.71913
1615.61934
1715.21929
1814.61966
1914.12013
20141915

Top 20 Coldest February’s

RankAvgYear
117.71899
221.81913
322.21883
422.31989
522.71903
623.61929
724.11942
824.81960
924.91894
1025.21905
1125.42021
1225.61874
1325.81939
1426.61895
1526.71891
1626.91936
1727.11955
1827.31964
1927.41965
2027.62003

Top 20 Driest February’s

RankTotalYear
10.011883
20.021877
30.031891
40.041949
50.041948
60.041962
70.041973
80.061959
90.061992
100.071989
110.081974
120.091965
130.091944
140.091905
150.12014
160.11967
170.111874
180.151951
190.152001
200.151940

Top 20 Least Snowiest February’s

RankTotalYear
1T2009
20.31992
30.31970
40.52005
50.61954
60.61925
70.81991
80.81983
911943
101.11908
111.11906
121.31999
131.51949
141.62017
151.61957
161.82000
171.81982
181.91916
1921882
202.11963

February Climatology for Denver

(Normal Period 1991-2020 Dia Data)

Temperature

TemperatureObserved Value
Average High45.7°F
Average Low19.7°F
Monthly Mean32.7°F
Days With High 90 Or Above0
Days With High 32 Or Below5.3
Days With Low 32 Or Below26
Days With Lows Zero Or Below1.6

Precipitation

PrecipitationObserved Value
Monthly Mean0.41”
Days With Measurable Precipitation5.5
Average Snowfall In Inches7.6”
Days With 1.0 Inch Of Snow Or More4

Miscellaneous Averages

Miscellaneous Averages
Heating Degree Days1000
Cooling Degree Days0
Wind Speed (Mph)9.7 mph
Wind DirectionNorth
Days With Thunderstorms0
Days With Dense Fog2
Percent Of Sunshine Possible61%

Extremes

Extremes
Record High80 on 2/10/2017
Record Low-25 on 2/1/1951, 2/8/1936
Warmest43.7 in 1954
Coldest17.7 in 1899
Wettest2.01” in 1934
Driest0.01” in 1883
Snowiest22.4” in 2015
Least SnowyTR in 2009

Winter 2023/2024 Snowfall Accumulation for the Colorado Eastern Plains

CityOctNovDecJanFebMarAprTotal
Aurora6.62.310.43.923.2
Boulder57.89.28.530.5
Brighton4.741.12.212
Broomfield4.35.33.25.117.9
Castle Rock92.19.712.132.9
Colorado Springs Airport01.18.45.114.6
Denver DIA7.52.91.44.216
Denver Downtown5.32.16.24.618.2
Golden10.71414.613.252.5
Fort Collins5.79.603.318.6
Highlands Ranch5.81.86.95.119.6
Lakewood8.64.111.35.529.5
Littleton101.663.721.3
Monument6.51.514.814.136.9
Parker7.418.89.126.3
Sedalia – Hwy 6710.53.39.412.836
Thornton44.44.44.417.2
Westminster5.14.75.34.819.9
Wheat Ridge63.46.95.321.6
Windsor3.55.5TR4.913.9
Snowfall accumulation totals are aggregated and QC’d by Skyview Weather Meteorologists using a combination of both in-situ and remote weather observing systems, model-derived Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) data, and proprietary snowfall measurements via trained storm spotters.

The Skyview Weather Newsletter is a monthly publication that aims to provide readers with engaging and informative content about meteorological science. Each issue features articles thoughtfully composed by Skyview’s team of meteorologists, covering a wide range of topics from the birth of Doppler Radar to the impact of weather phenomena. The newsletter serves as a platform to share the latest advancements in weather forecasting technology and the science behind it, enhancing our understanding of weather.

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