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A photograph of Earth from space with a satellite. Photo credit: NASA.

March 2024 Skyview Weather Monthly Newsletter

Feature Article

Weather Satellites – NOAA’s GOES-R Series

Introduction

Meteorologists rely on an extensive array of advanced tools to interpret weather patterns and produce accurate forecasts, with satellite imagery playing a pivotal role. In the United States, the imagery obtained from NOAA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES)-18 Satellite, a cornerstone of the GOES-R Series, stands as a testament to cutting-edge technology in weather observation and environmental monitoring. Described by NOAA as “the Western Hemisphere’s most sophisticated weather observing and environmental monitoring system,” the GOES-R Series offers an unparalleled suite of capabilities, including advanced imagery, precise atmospheric measurements, real-time mapping of lightning activity, and vigilant space weather monitoring.

Geostationary Satellites

Satellites operate within distinct orbits, each serving a specific purpose in observation. Positioned approximately 22,236 miles above the equator, satellites in Geostationary Orbit maintain synchronicity with Earth’s rotation, affording continuous surveillance over a fixed geographic area. This characteristic makes them indispensable for monitoring rapidly evolving weather systems and providing timely updates to meteorologists and the public alike.

GOES Series

Launched in 2016, the inaugural satellite of the GOES-R series commenced operations as the GOES-East satellite, facilitating comprehensive monitoring of weather phenomena across the eastern United States and the Atlantic Ocean. Subsequent launches bolstered the series, with GOES-S deployed in 2018 to serve as a reliable backup and complement the primary satellite’s efforts. In 2022, the launch of GOES-T expanded coverage to the western United States and the Pacific Ocean, enhancing the nation’s resilience to weather-related hazards.

The naming convention of the GOES-R Series reflects a transition from pre-launch designations (GOES-R, GOES-S, GOES-T) to operational monikers (GOES-16, GOES-17, GOES-18) upon achieving Geostationary Orbit. This protocol ensures consistency and clarity in satellite identification throughout their operational lifespan.

The Latest GOES

The latest addition and last to launch in the GOES-R Series, GOES-U, embodies the culmination of technological innovation and operational excellence. Set to assume the role of GOES-19 upon deployment, GOES-U promises to perpetuate the legacy of its predecessors while introducing enhancements to further elevate weather observation capabilities. Notably, GOES-U embarked on its journey to launch on January 22, 2024, departing from Lockheed Martin’s facility in Littleton, CO, bound for the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The GOES-U has and continues to undergo a series of tests, ensuring its resilience to the rigors of space and readiness for deployment. It is set to launch no earlier than April 30th, 2024, aboard one of the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rockets.

Photograph of the GOES-U satellite loading into a U.S. Air Force jet for transit.
The GOES-U satellite is loaded onto a C-5M Super Galaxy cargo transport at Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, Colorado on Jan. 22, 2024. Photo credit: NASA

Looking ahead after GOES-U, NOAA and NASA are poised to usher in the era of Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO), representing the next frontier in weather satellite technology. GeoXO’s advanced instrumentation will revolutionize atmospheric, weather, and oceanic observations, offering unprecedented insights into environmental dynamics and enhancing forecasting capabilities. With GeoXO on the horizon, the future of meteorology is imbued with promise and potential, poised to tackle the challenges of tomorrow with unprecedented precision and foresight.


March Drought Update

February Drought Monitor Map of Colorado issued February 27, 2024.

In the month of February 2024, the state of Colorado has witnessed substantial alterations in its drought conditions. Drought regions previously identified across the plains have now been completely mitigated. Concurrently, the western mountainous regions of the state, especially the San Luis Valley, have experienced a significant reduction in their drought severity. This transformation can be attributed to a series of snowstorms that transpired throughout February. These meteorological events were characterized by elevated moisture content, which has effectively contributed to the alleviation of the prevailing drought conditions across the state. This report underscores the dynamic nature of climatic conditions and their profound impact on the state’s hydrological balance.

March 2024 Temperature Anomaly Forecast

March Temperature Outlook Map of the US issued February 29, 2024.

In light of a springtime shift in the jet stream, the temperature forecast for March 2024 presents a diverse thermal landscape across the United States.

The Intermountain West and Pacific Northwest regions are anticipated to experience temperatures that align with the seasonal norms. In contrast, the Desert Southwest is projected to encounter temperatures that fall below the typical range for this time of year.

On the other hand, the eastern United States, the Great Lakes Region, and the Northern Plains are likely to witness temperatures exceeding their usual levels. This forecast underscores the complex interplay of atmospheric dynamics and their influence on regional temperature patterns.

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March 2024 Precipitation Anomaly Forecast

March Temperature Outlook Map of the US issued February 29, 2024.

The precipitation forecast for March 2024 anticipates an above-average rainfall across specific regions of the western United States, including California, the Great Basin, and the Rockies. As of the initial week of March, the recorded precipitation levels have remained within the standard range for this period, not approaching any historical records. However, it is crucial to note that these conditions are subject to change in the subsequent weeks as winter weather systems develop over the Northern Pacific Ocean and advance east across the US. March is traditionally the month with the highest snowfall in the Rockies, suggesting the potential for high-precipitation systems to impact the region towards the month’s end.

Furthermore, the southeastern region of the United States may also experience above-average precipitation. This is attributed to the positioning of the subtropical jet stream during the spring season. The jet stream, a relatively narrow band of strong wind in the upper levels of the atmosphere, typically shifts pole-ward as the Sun’s elevation increases each day in the spring. This movement influences weather patterns and contributes to changes in seasonal precipitation amounts.

Colorado February Weather Summary

The meteorological summary for Colorado in February 2024 reveals a pattern of above-average temperatures and precipitation, particularly in the Denver metropolitan area. Denver International Airport (DIA) reported an average daily high temperature of 50.6°F and a daily average low of 24.6°F, culminating in a combined average of 37.6°F. This figure is 4.9°F higher than the typical monthly average of 32.7°F. The highest temperature, 66°F, was recorded on both February 20th and 31st, while the lowest temperature, 7°F, was observed on February 17th.

Boulder Airport reported an average high temperature of 49.6°F and an average low temperature of 28.8°F, resulting in an overall average temperature of 39.2°F. Similarly, Colorado Springs Airport recorded an average daily high temperature of 51.1°F and an average daily low of 26.3°F, yielding a monthly average of 38.7°F, which is 5.3°F above the standard monthly average of 31.9°F. The highest temperature, 67°F, was recorded on February 20th, while the lowest temperature, 13°F, was observed on February 11th.

Pueblo reported an average daily high temperature of 55.5°F and an average daily low of 24.3°F. The highest temperatures, 72°F, were recorded on February 25th and 26th, while the lowest temperature, 11°F, was observed on February 28th.

In terms of precipitation, DIA reported 1.46” of liquid precipitation, which is 1.05” above the February average of 0.41”. Colorado Springs Airport reported 1.37” of liquid precipitation, 1.05” above the February average of 0.32”. The majority of this precipitation occurred on February 3rd, with 0.55” of liquid precipitation recorded. Pueblo also experienced above-average precipitation, with 1.48” of liquid precipitation recorded, 1.16” above the February average of 0.32”. The majority of this precipitation occurred on the 3rd, with 1.06” recorded within a 24-hour period.

Throughout February, several storm systems impacted DIA, with five storms reporting more than a trace of snowfall. These events occurred on the 2nd-3rd (5.5”), 9th-10th (3.7”), 15th-16th (0.1”), 16th-17th (2.4”), and the 27th (2.0”), accounting for the total snowfall at DIA for the month. However, the 2nd-3rd storm resulted in higher snow totals for the metro region compared to DIA, with totals of 7.0”-16.0” reported south and west of the Denver Metro area, and some areas experiencing up to 19.5”. This disparity in snowfall was due to several small-scale features inducing snow banding, resulting in snowfall rates of over 2.0” per hour, while locations just to the east experienced minimal snowfall. This pattern was observed in many of the storms this month, with the most notable difference occurring in the 2nd – 3rd storm. Another contributing factor to the high snowfall during the 2nd -3rd storm was its resemblance to a spring-like storm, characterized by anomalously high moisture content and relatively warmer temperatures, supporting heavy, wet snow.

Fewer events were recorded over southeastern Colorado, with only four notable events for the month. However, some of these storms brought significant snowfall. The first was the 2nd-3rd event, which brought widespread light snow to the Colorado Springs area and Pueblo, with up to 12” of snow in places, particularly along the Palmer Divide. The second notable event, occurring on the 8th-10th, brought moderate to heavy snow along the Palmer Divide, with totals averaging between 5.0”-9.0” and isolated higher reported accumulations up to 15.0”. Significantly less snowfall was reported in Colorado Springs; between 1.0”-5.0”. The third notable event occurred on the 16th – 17th, where unexpected snow fell only over Central and Southern Colorado Springs, producing up to 4.0” in some areas. The final notable event was on the 27th, where light to moderate snow developed across Colorado Springs, with totals of 3.0-6.0” of snow recorded.

Weather Statistics for Denver International Airport, February 2024

DIA February 2024 Temperature (°F)

Observed ValueNormal ValueDeparture From Normal
Average Max50.6°F45.7°F4.9°F
Average Min24.6°F19.7°F4.9°F
Monthly Mean37.6°F32.7°F4.9°F
Days With Max 90 Or Above000
Days With Max 32 Or Below35.3-2.3
Days With Min 32 Or Below2626.1-0.1
Days With Min 0 Or Below01.6-1.6

DIA February 2024 Liquid Precipitation (Inches)

Observed ValueDate(S)Normal ValueDeparture From Normal
Monthly Total1.46”0.41”1.05”
Yearly Total1.74”0.79”0.95”
Greatest In 24 Hours0.76”2/2 and 2/3
Days With Measurable Precip.95.53.5

March 2024 Preview

The meteorological progression of March 2024 in Denver has been relatively unremarkable thus far, characterized by the arrival of a few minor weather systems within the initial days of the month. These systems have resulted in minimal accumulation across the Front Range Urban Corridor.

Contrastingly, regions in the high country, specifically those located southwest of Steamboat Springs in proximity to the Park Mountains, have already witnessed substantial snowfall exceeding 70 inches. Northeastern areas of the state near Sterling and Akron have also reported a significant increase in snowfall compared to the previous month, with reports of nearly 12 inches of snow.

Skyview Weather Map of Colorado Snowfall from March 1, 2024 through March 8, 2024

As of now, Denver International Airport (DIA) has recorded 0.04” of precipitation, which is 0.10” below the typical average. Current forecasts do not predict any significant storms for Denver in the immediate future. However, considering that March is traditionally the month with the highest snowfall in Colorado, it is likely that high precipitation-producing storms may occur before the month concludes.

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

Top 20 Warmest March’s

RankAvgYear
150.41910
249.22012
347.92017
447.21907
547.11986
6471918
746.51879
846.42004
946.41946
10462007
11461887
1245.71916
1345.21878
1445.11911
15452015
16451873
1744.91921
1844.81994
1944.71972
2044.51925

Top 20 Wettest March’s

RankTotalYear
14.561983
23.82021
33.51992
43.11990
53.11891
63.071905
73.052003
83.031909
92.851959
102.751944
112.511961
122.411949
132.361886
142.291940
152.291927
162.271981
172.171923
182.161929
192.121952
202.121938

Top 20 Snowiest March’s

RankTotalYear
135.22003
2342021
332.51944
431.31891
530.51983
629.21961
726.81959
825.71923
925.21952
1024.81929
11241981
1223.91906
1323.52013
1421.91990
1521.81886
1620.81948
1720.51970
1820.41899
1920.31924
2020.21909

Top 20 Coldest March’s

RankAvgYear
126.41912
2281924
3291965
429.71906
532.11969
632.21891
732.81958
8331964
933.11899
1033.21917
1133.31932
1233.51970
1333.61915
1433.71952
1533.71948
1633.82002
1733.81888
1833.91923
1934.41880
2034.51944

Top 20 Driest March’s

RankTotalYear
10.032012
20.111908
30.142008
40.142004
50.181982
60.191999
70.21882
80.211883
90.211880
100.221945
110.221873
120.231935
130.231893
140.231887
150.261997
160.281995
170.281911
180.281898
190.31946
200.311950

Top 20 Least Snowiest March’s

RankTotalYear
1T2017
2T2012
30.31883
40.41911
50.51885
61.11887
71.82004
821882
92.11982
102.11908
112.52011
122.51918
132.61986
142.61898
152.81966
162.81910
172.92015
1831935
1931890
203.21893

March Climatology for Denver

(Normal Period 1991-2020 Dia Data)

Temperature

TemperatureObserved Value
Average High55.7°F
Average Low27.5°F
Monthly Mean41.6°F
Days With High 90 Or Above0
Days With High 32 Or Below1.7
Days With Low 32 Or Below23.2
Days With Lows Zero Or Below0.2

Precipitation

PrecipitationObserved Value
Monthly Mean0.86”
Days With Measurable Precipitation6.2
Average Snowfall In Inches8.8”
Days With 1.0 Inch Of Snow Or MoreNA

Miscellaneous Averages

Miscellaneous Averages
Heating Degree Days726
Cooling Degree Days0
Wind Speed (Mph)9.7 mph
Wind DirectionSouth
Days With Thunderstorms<1
Days With Dense Fog1
Percent Of Sunshine Possible69%

Extremes

Extremes
Record High84 on 3/26/1971
Record Low-11 on 3/28/1886
Warmest50.4 in 1910
Coldest26.4 in 1912
Wettest4.56” in 1983
Driest0.03” In 2012
Snowiest35.2” in 2003
Least SnowyTR in 2012 and 2017

Winter 2023/2024 Snowfall Accumulation for the Colorado Eastern Plains

CityOctNovDecJanFebMarAprTotal
Aurora6.62.310.43.911.634.8
Boulder57.89.28.513.944.4
Brighton4.741.12.27.819.8
Broomfield4.35.33.25.113.931.8
Castle Rock92.19.712.117.450.3
Colorado Springs Airport01.18.45.111.526.1
Denver DIA7.52.91.44.213.729.7
Denver Downtown5.32.16.24.610.929.1
Golden10.71414.613.237.790.2
Fort Collins5.79.603.35.724.3
Highlands Ranch5.81.86.95.111.631.2
Lakewood8.64.111.35.521.350.8
Littleton101.663.712.333.6
Monument6.51.514.814.120.357.2
Parker7.418.89.112.338.6
Sedalia – Hwy 6710.53.39.412.82056
Thornton44.44.44.412.830
Westminster5.14.75.34.813.733.6
Wheat Ridge63.46.95.322.143.7
Windsor3.55.5TR4.9922.9
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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