If the past couple of days felt extreme, that’s because they were — and the culprit is one of the most fascinating (and powerful) weather features in the U.S.: the dry line. Across Colorado, conditions turned dangerously dry, with single-digit… Read More »What Is a Dry Line? And Why Colorado Was Bone-Dry While Oklahoma Saw Tornadoes
If you follow severe weather forecasts, you’ve probably seen the colorful maps issued by the NOAA Storm Prediction Center. These Convective Outlooks highlight where severe thunderstorms are possible across the United States days in advance. Starting March 3, 2026, the… Read More »The Storm Prediction Center Just Updated Its Severe Weather Outlooks. Here’s What Coloradans Should Know.
For the first time in more than 10 years, the United States has seen an official EF-5 tornado rating — the highest on the Enhanced Fujita Scale — following new analysis of a devastating June 20, 2025, tornado near Enderlin,… Read More »U.S. Sees First EF-5 Tornado in Over a Decade: The Enderlin, North Dakota Tornado Officially Upgraded
If you’ve ever stepped outside on a hot Colorado summer day and thought, “It feels hotter than that,” you’re not imagining things — you’re feeling the heat index at work. And while Coloradans often enjoy low humidity, heat index becomes… Read More »Heat Index Explained: Why It Can Feel Hotter Than the Thermometer Says
On Saturday, July 31, 1976, Colorado was celebrating its centennial year of statehood. Families and tourists flocked to the Big Thompson Canyon to enjoy one of the state’s most breathtaking natural landmarks. Nestled between Loveland and Estes Park, the canyon… Read More »The 1976 Big Thompson Flood: Colorado’s Most Devastating Natural Disaster
On the evening of July 28, 1997, the city of Fort Collins, Colorado, experienced one of the most devastating natural disasters in its history. An intense, nearly stationary thunderstorm hovered over the western part of the city for about four… Read More »The 1997 Fort Collins Flood: A Tragic Night That Transformed Weather Monitoring
After a stretch of scorching summer heat, Coloradans are finally getting some relief. A cooler and more unsettled weather pattern is moving into the state starting today and continuing through Friday, bringing increased chances of rain, thunderstorms, and noticeably cooler… Read More »Relief From the Heat: Cooler, Wetter Pattern Returns to Colorado
Recently, tragic flash flooding in Texas has claimed several lives and left many communities shattered. Our hearts and prayers are with the families impacted. It’s a painful reminder of how dangerous sudden floods can be — a threat that Coloradans,… Read More »Flash Floods in Colorado: A Deadly Force That Demands Respect
Coloradans are no strangers to wildfires, but this past weekend, just across the border in Utah, Mother Nature upped the ante with a rare and dramatic twist—a fire-induced tornado. On Saturday, July 12, within the growing Deer Creek Fire near… Read More »A Rare and Fiery Phenomenon: EF2 Fire-Tornado Churns Near Utah Wildfire
On the afternoon of May 8, 2017, the skies over metro Denver darkened—not just with clouds, but with a supercell storm that would go on to make history. What began as a thunderstorm brewing in the foothills west of Denver… Read More »Mayhem in the Mile High City: Colorado’s Second-Costliest Hailstorm on Record
If 2024 taught us anything, it’s that severe weather in the United States is not slowing down. From relentless spring tornado outbreaks to hurricanes spawning dozens of twisters, last year was one of the most intense and active severe weather… Read More »2024 Was One of the Most Extreme Severe Weather Years in U.S. History – Will 2025 Top It?
May has been an active month for severe weather across Colorado. From the Eastern Plains to the Front Range, residents have witnessed both tornadoes and landspouts—two similar-looking but fundamentally different phenomena. While both can be dangerous and share the classic… Read More »Tornadoes vs. Landspouts: What Coloradans Should Know After a Stormy May
A powerful supercell thunderstorm swept across northeast Colorado on the afternoon of Friday, May 23, 2025, spawning three tornadoes across Logan and Washington counties, including an EF-2 tornado that caused significant damage in rural areas. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.… Read More »Three Tornadoes Touch Down in Northeast Colorado on May 23, 2025
On Sunday, May 18, 2025, a significant tornado outbreak impacted the central U.S. Plains, including a cluster of damaging tornadoes just south and east of Denver, Colorado. Four tornadoes touched down in rapid succession during the early afternoon hours, two… Read More »Tornado Outbreak Hits Colorado on May 18, 2025, as Severe Weather Sweeps the Plains
Spring and fall in Colorado are known for rapid weather changes, snow one day and sunshine the next. But there’s another atmospheric oddity that occasionally spins through our skies — the cold air funnel cloud. What Are Cold Air Funnels?… Read More »Colorado Skies and Cold Air Funnels: What Are They?
It’s that time of year again—spring is waking up across the plains, and with it comes the first chance of severe thunderstorms for Colorado. Today and tomorrow, portions of eastern Colorado sit under a Marginal Risk (level 1 out of… Read More »Colorado Eyes First Severe Weather Threat of the Season
After a long winter, Coloradans finally got a taste of spring over the weekend, with a few rumbles of thunder stirring excitement among weather enthusiasts. While these storms were relatively weak, they signaled the transition into a more active weather… Read More »When Will Colorado Start Seeing Severe Thunderstorms?
One hundred years ago today, on March 18, 1925, one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history carved a devastating path across Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. Known as the Tri-State Tornado, this monster storm left nearly 700 people dead, injured… Read More »100 Years Ago Today: The Tri-State Tornado
On March 18, 2003, a historic blizzard struck the Denver metro area with unprecedented intensity, paralyzing the city and surrounding foothills with feet of heavy, wet snow. It was one of the most severe winter storms recorded since weather observations… Read More »Remembering the March 18, 2003, Blizzard: One of Denver’s Worst Snowstorms
If you were in Colorado recently, you might have experienced something unusual during the latest snowstorm: a flash of lightning followed by a rumble of thunder. This rare weather phenomenon is known as thundersnow—and while it’s not common, it can… Read More »Thundersnow in Colorado: What It Is and How It Happens
Seattleites are in for a wild ride this week, as a textbook bomb cyclone slams the Pacific Northwest with raw, unrelenting force. From howling winds and towering waves to thunderstorms and unrelenting rain, the storm is offering a textbook lesson… Read More »Seattle’s Epic Bomb Cyclone: A Meteorological Monster Unleashes Power and Fury
A potent storm system moving across the United States is set to deliver a double punch of weather impacts this week. While Colorado and the central Rockies brace for snowfall and a sharp drop in temperatures, the Lower Mississippi Valley… Read More »Storm System Brings Snow to Colorado Mountains and Severe Weather to the Deep South
This November is shaping up to be an unusually active month across the U.S., with a potent combination of winter storms, severe thunderstorms, and a powerful hurricane stirring across the nation. Colorado faces one of the season’s strongest winter storms,… Read More »A November to Remember: Intense Winter Storm, Severe Thunderstorms, and Hurricane Rafael
Today, the Great Plains are witnessing a clash of seasons, with significant weather events unfolding across the region. Denver marked its first measurable snow of the season, while farther southeast, severe thunderstorms, including the potential for strong tornadoes, are impacting… Read More »Severe Weather Grips the Great Plains: Denver’s First Snow While Tornado Threat Looms in Oklahoma
Tropical Storm Francine, currently swirling in the Gulf of Mexico, is expected to make landfall along the Louisiana coast by Wednesday evening, bringing with it a range of tropical hazards. As of the latest advisory, Francine has strengthened, showing signs… Read More »Tropical Storm Francine Approaches Gulf Coast
As we enter meteorological fall, thunderstorms remain a threat across parts of the northern Rockies, Great Basin, and adjacent High Plains. The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms in these areas… Read More »Severe Weather Outlook for September 3-4, 2024: Marginal Risks Across Rockies, Plains, and Midwest
Over the next three days, Colorado is set to experience a variety of severe weather conditions, with the potential for thunderstorms, damaging winds, large hail, and flash flooding. Wednesday, August 21st: Thunderstorms and Severe Weather A shortwave trough moving through… Read More »Severe Weather Outlook for Colorado: Wednesday, August 21st – Friday, August 23rd, 2024
Colorado residents, especially those in the central and eastern parts of the state, should prepare for a continued period of unsettled weather as we move into Monday and Tuesday. The state has already seen two tornado reports in the past… Read More »Severe Weather Threat Looms Over Colorado: Tornadoes, Heavy Rain, and Hail Possible
After enduring a prolonged period of dry lightning and minimal rainfall, Denver is finally experiencing some much-needed precipitation.
As Colorado residents rejoice for some rain, it’s essential to stay informed about the severe storm outlook for tomorrow. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect and how to prepare. Tomorrow’s Outlook (July 16, 2024) Colorado is looking at… Read More »Severe Weather Outlook for Colorado and Surrounding States: Tomorrow
Overview: Today, portions of Colorado face an enhanced threat of severe thunderstorms, particularly over portions of the central and northern High Plains. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an enhanced risk of severe weather, with the potential for gusts… Read More »Severe Weather Outlook for Colorado: June 27, 2024
As hurricane season progresses, eyes are turning to a developing weather system off the coast of Mexico that could impact parts of the United States. Satellite and surface observations indicate a broad area of low pressure over the Bay of… Read More »Tropical Disturbance in Gulf of Mexico May Impact U.S. Coastline
On May 27, 1997, a deadly severe weather episode unfolded across Central Texas, etching itself into the annals of meteorological history. This day is remembered for one of the most powerful and devastating tornadoes ever recorded: an F5 tornado that… Read More »The F5 Jarrell, Texas Tornado of 1997: A Cataclysmic Event
Hail is one of the most fascinating and potentially dangerous forms of precipitation. These solid ice pellets, formed within the tumultuous updrafts of thunderstorms, can cause significant damage to property, vehicles, and even pose a deadly threat to humans and… Read More »Hail: The Ice Giants of the Sky
Overview Tomorrow, Colorado is set to face severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms, large hail, damaging winds, and the possibility of tornadoes. Here’s what you need to know: Storm Prediction Center (SPC) Outlook Specific Details – Hail: Reports indicate baseball-sized hail… Read More »Severe Weather Alert for Colorado on May 29, 2024
Sixteen years ago, yesterday, on May 22, 2008, the community of Windsor, Colorado experienced one of the most devastating natural disasters in its history. An EF3 tornado, marked by its sheer power and destructiveness, swept through Weld County, leaving a… Read More »Reflecting on the Windsor, CO EF3 Tornado: 16 Years Ago
Coloradans are advised to stay weather-aware as the arrival of severe weather conditions approaches, including the possibility of tornadoes, across northeast Colorado this afternoon and evening. Recent updates indicate a convergence of atmospheric factors conducive to the development of severe… Read More »Severe Weather Advisory: Potential Tornadoes and Severe Thunderstorms Anticipated in Colorado Today
The genesis of Doppler radar can be traced back to the Doppler effect, a phenomenon proposed by Austrian physicist Christian Doppler in 1842. This principle elucidates the variation between the observed frequency and the emitted frequency of a wave for… Read More »The Birth of Doppler Radar
As the nation keeps an eye on weather patterns during the springtime, Colorado finds itself in a familiar position today, with scattered showers and thunderstorms on the agenda. While the state is marked under a marginal risk level for severe… Read More »Marginal Severe Weather Possible
Tonight, many of us are closely monitoring the development of a severe weather outbreak in the south-central Plains, particularly across central Oklahoma and southeast Kansas [Fig 1 and 2]. All the critical ingredients for a significant severe event are aligning… Read More »Significant Severe Weather Outbreak Threatens South-Central Plains Tonight
Tornadoes are among the most destructive and awe-inspiring forces of nature, capable of unleashing unparalleled devastation in a matter of minutes. Understanding the intensity of these swirling vortexes has been a challenge for meteorologists for decades. Over time, various methods… Read More »From F to EF: Understanding the Evolution of Tornado Rating Scales
A significant tornado outbreak ravaged parts of the central United States from April 26th to April 28th, 2024, leaving a trail of destruction and widespread damage. The outbreak, initiated by a slow-moving yet potent late April storm system, resulted in… Read More »Violent Tornado Outbreak Strikes Central United States
Areas within the Great Plains (including eastern Colorado) are on high alert as severe weather continues to grip the region into tomorrow, with the potential for widespread storms and even tornado activity. Today marked an active day for Colorado with… Read More »Colorado and Surrounding States Brace for an Active Weekend
The Great Plains is gearing up for a turbulent evening and overnight as a potent weather system sweeps through the region, bringing with it the potential for severe thunderstorms. While the Denver Metro area may be experiencing its own weather… Read More »Severe Weather Alert: Great Plains Braces for Intense Storms Tonight
As we brace ourselves for the arrival of spring thunderstorms, Mother Nature seems poised to remind us of her power before February ends. The Midwest and Deep South are facing the potential for severe weather including tornadoes, on Tuesday and… Read More »Severe Weather Potential Looms Over the Midwest and Deep South Next Week
Both Punxsutawney Phil and Flatiron Freddy have agreed that spring is coming early this year and many Coloradans across the state are itching for it to arrive. As Colorado begins to transition from the cold and dark grip of winter… Read More »Colorado’s Spring Thunderstorms: When Tornadoes and Hail Are Likely to Occur Based on Climatological Data
Tornadoes and hailstorms are commonly associated with summer weather, yet today, portions of the Mid-South are poised to experience severe weather this afternoon. It is not uncommon for the southern states to experience severe weather in the winter months due… Read More »Severe Weather Expected in the Mid-South Today & Saturday
A trough of low-pressure will scurry across the Pacific northwest today bringing a good chance for widespread severe weather for eastern portions of Washington state, northern Idaho, northeastern Oregon, and far western Montana. The area of concern is under a… Read More »Severe Weather Chance for Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana today.
This Wednesday, May 10, 2023, there will be a chance for severe weather, especially areas east of the I-25 corridor as seen in the map provided by the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center. A series of weak disturbances will… Read More »First NWS Slight Chance for Severe Weather in Colorado 5/10/2023
After a round of rain and snow for Colorado, this storm system will continue eastward brigning a decent chance for severe weather across portions of Texas. Best chance for storms will be along eastern portions of the state, including the… Read More »Severe Weather Outlook 4/28/2023
