Category: Verification (Page 1 of 45)

These posts take a look back at recent weather events, like snow storms or severe weather outbreaks, and evaluate how the forecast played out. We evaluate how well the models predicted what actually occurred, and offer insight into what can be learned and applied moving forward.

October 2024 Graphical Weather Review: Wrapping up the driest May to October period ever recorded in Boulder!

October was yet another exceptionally warm and dry month in the Front Range, with most areas landing more than six degrees above average while receiving very little if any precipitation. The period of May to October only produced 4.64″ of precipitation in Boulder, the driest such stretch in recorded history. It’s no surprise that drought has further expanded across the region. In contrast to our boring weather, space-related activity was booming in October with multiple nights of auroras lighting up Colorado’s skies and a multi-week comet display. Here’s a quick and colorful graphical recap of our weather during October and how it relates to climatology.

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Winter Storm Recap: Impressive week-long snow & water totals will ease the Front Range drought

The well-advertised late-week winter storm delivered widespread wet snow to the entire Denver Metro area and nearby Foothills Thursday into Saturday, with some rain mixing in at times across the warmer northern tier. We review the soupy snowfall totals from this final bout of winter weather that put a bow on the lengthy cold and snowy week in the Front Range. We also discuss the shift back to sunny and dry conditions for the upcoming week.

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Winter Storm Recap: First snow of the season is in the books for most western suburbs, including Boulder, but it wasn’t much…

Many western suburbs of Denver experienced their first snow of the season last night, with Boulder officially recording 0.2 inches. The colder, higher elevations to the west saw a more significant dump, up to 15 inches in some areas. We briefly recap the underwhelming first snow of the season and announce the winners of our 2024 First Snowfall Contest.

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This Week in Colorado Weather: October 21, 2024

As we transition deeper into autumn season, Colorado weather continues to keep us all on our toes. This past weekend, a slow-moving storm system that was expected to bring widespread light precipitation to the Denver Metro area ended up being a tad underwhelming, with the bulk of the moisture staying to our south. While Boulder and Denver received only minimal rainfall, areas of southern Colorado and New Mexico experienced heavy rainfall which led to deadly flash flooding. Looking ahead, this week promises relatively quiet weather for the Front Range, with just a brief cool down scheduled for late week. We’re also tracking an interesting storm in the pipeline for next week which could bring sub-freezing temperatures and potentially some snow to the area just in time for Halloween.

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Colorado Aurora Update: The Northern Lights could be visible again Friday night in the Front Range, but it’s no guarantee they will show!

The Northern Lights put on a spectacular show across the Front Range Thursday night, and there’s a chance for an encore performance tonight! While the display is not likely to be as intense or widespread Friday night, mostly clear skies and comfortable temperatures will make it a perfect evening to try your luck in the Denver Metro area. Read on for our team’s recommendation on the best time and place to head out to take in the Northern Lights Friday night in Colorado!

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This Week in Colorado Weather: September 23, 2024

The Front Range experienced its first significant rainfall in five months, with some areas receiving up to an inch of rain over the weekend. The start of the work week will be relatively cool. However, a strong ridge pattern known as an omega block will bring warm and dry conditions from Wednesday onwards, with temperatures rising into the 80s and potentially reaching record highs by Thursday. While there is no hope for any snow in our forecast yet, our 10th Annual First Snow Contest will open to entries later this week. Read on for all the details.

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