Mike's Weather Blog -- December 2006

December 31, 2006 - Quiet Weather Greets New Year

Sunshine has returned statewide, which is excellent news, especially for southeast Colorado. They are buried under 1 to 3 feet of snow with drifts as high as 18 feet reported east of Sheridan Lake in Kiowa County.

Some mountain snow showers will enter the forecast next week with the flow of winds aloft becoming more west-northwest. Some forecast models show low pressure over New Mexico by this coming Thursday and Friday.

We will monitor this in the days to come and let you know if we need to prepare for any more snow.

For now, bundle up before heading out tonight, and Happy New Year from the 24/7 Weather Center and 7NEWS!

December 30, 2006 - Winter Storm Slowly Moving East

There are still some tough hours ahead for southeast Colorado, but conditions will improve. The bulk of the heavy snow will shift into western and central Kansas over the next several hours.

Travel will remain extremely difficult to impossible today and Sunday from I-70 south and I-25 east.

Snow totals across eastern Colorado range from 12 to 24 inches, with drifts to 10 feet, and even higher in a few cases.

Snow totals across southern Colorado range from 15 to 30 inches in the mountains and foothills west of Pueblo and Trinidad.

December 29, 2006, 10:10 p.m. - Life-Threatening Blizzard Paralyzes Plains

A very serious situation is taking place across southeast Colorado. Intense blizzard conditions remain in place, and could do so until early Sunday.

There have been widespread reports of 12 to 14 inch snow totals, including in Lamar. Drifts are 4 to 8 feet deep across most of the southeast counties, with 8 to 12 foot drifts reported in Kiowa County.

In some places road signs are buried due to the drifting snow.

In eastern Las Animas County, snow is reported to be waist deep.

The situation is just as serious across western Kansas, with 1 to 2 feet of snow and drifts over 6 foot deep. All roads are closed in both Goodland and Colby, and there have been power outages.

The story is repeated across portions of the Oklahoma panhandle.

As of this blog posting, many locations have reported sustained winds in the 25 to 40 mph range for up to 15 consecutive hours. Unfortunately, until this low pressure gets out of the region, several more hours of this assault lie ahead.

It is vital that residents of southeast Colorado do not leave their homes. Travel is impossible, and if you become stranded, you will become disoriented and not be able to find your way due to low visibility and snow drifts.

This storm is a serious threat to all life, including human and livestock.

If you must venture out, take a shovel, food, water and warm clothes in case you become stranded.

December 29, 2006, 3:00 p.m. - Heavy Snow Shifts Southeast Of Denver

We have seen a dramatic shift in the bulk of the precipitation through the late morning and early afternoon hours today. The heavy snow is now south and east of Denver, south of Interstate 70 and east of Interstate 25. Blizzard conditions have been reported from Limon to Lamar with numerous road closures.

It looks like the mountains, central Colorado and portions of the foothills are done with this storm.

Some snow showers are still possible tonight in Denver, with a few inches possible, especially over the southeast portions of town.

While it appears the heavy snow will stay in southeast Colorado on Saturday, Denver is still under a winter storm watch. There is a chance the storm track could wobble enough to throw the snow back into the front range.

Of course you can count on 7NEWS, TheDenverChannel.com and Comcast Digital Cable Channel 247 for the very latest.

December 29, 2006 - Worst Of Storm To Come, Especially For Plains

A slow-moving low pressure will continue to crawl northeast from New Mexico today, and will reach southwest Kansas by Saturday. This means we have 2 more days of snow to endure.

Storm totals will range from 2 to 3 feet in Denver, 3 to 5 feet in the foothills, and 1 to 2 feet on the plains by Sunday.

Strong winds will blow and drift the snow east of Interstate 25, potentially closing all roads on the plains over the next few days. Travel will remain extremely difficult to impossible in Denver, the foothills, and along the Interstate 25 corridor.

Please stay with 7NEWS and TheDenverChannel.com for the latest.

December 28, 2006 - Historical Storm Bearing Down On Colorado

After a major blizzard just one week ago today, we are facing another potentially huge winter storm.

The storm before Christmas dropped 20.7 inches of snow in Denver, making it the seventh biggest snowfall since 1946. It also ranked December 2006 as the fifth snowiest on record.

If we see another major dump of snow from this system, we could quickly become the second snowiest December on record. And of course the old saying never say never means we must consider the possibility that if it really dumps, the record snowiest December of 57.4 inches, in the year 1913, could be challenged.

Now that is a long stretch, but it is worth mentioning.

Speaking of 1913, that is probably the closest example of two major storm systems affecting Denver and the front range back-to-back. Over a foot of snow fell Dec. 1-2, with another 37 inches falling Dec. 4-5.

There are other examples in the climate record of two major snow events back-to-back, but they are generally smaller snowfalls, on the order of 6 to 12 inches each.

Additionally, the water content of the previous storm was remarkable for a mid-December snowfall. Typically snow this time of year is very dry, but the last one was not. It had a snow-to-water ratio more like a late October or early March snow.

This storm system will have slightly colder air than the last, but will still deliver quite a bit of water to the region in the form of snow.

The next 36 to 72 hours will be potentially life-threatening to residents of Denver, the front range foothills and the eastern plains. Please check in with 7NEWS for frequent updates. Forecast information will be available on 7NEWS, TheDenverChannel.com, Comcast Cable Channel 247, and on our weather line at 303-832-0247.

You can also get updates from our radio partners. In the Denver area, listen to KOSI 101, Alice 105.9, Studio 1430 and The Mountain 99.5 FM.

In northern Colorado and the Greeley area, listen to K99 and 1310 KFKA.

December 27, 2006, 4:00 p.m. - Storm Approaching, 24/7 Weather Center Remains On Alert

A very large storm system will impact the weather across Colorado and much of the region over the next 12 to 60 hours. However, there is still some uncertainty as to just how this storm will play out.

The current weather headlines are as follows...

Are we in for Round 2 -- Holiday Blizzard?

A more complex situation than the last storm

But still looks like shovel trouble

This storm has a stronger cold front associated, which means colder temperatures than last time. It also has a much broader circulation, which means the energy may not be as concentrated as it was with the last storm.

Despite, as of this posting, much of the state remains under a winter storm watch. By Friday afternoon, Denver and the Interstate 25 urban corridor could be shoveling a foot of new snow, with up to 2 feet in the mountains and foothills.

Please stay with 7NEWS throughout the storm. Between our broadcasts on 7NEWS, Comcast Cable Channel 247, TheDenverChannel.com, our radio partners (including KOSI 101, The Mountain, Alice, Studio 1430, K99 and KFKA) and our weather line (303-832-0247) -- we will keep you updated with the most accurate information available in Denver.

December 27, 2006 - 24/7 Weather Center On Alert For New Winter Storm

A trough of low pressure that we have been tracking over the past several days will move into the central Rockies over the next 24 hours. It will combine forces with an approaching cold front.

The potential exists for another widespread, major winter storm, for both the high country, Denver, and the eastern plains of Colorado.

Please stay with 7NEWS and TheDenverChannel.com today for the latest details. We will tweak projected storm paths, potential snow, and possible travel hazards throughout the day as new forecast data is available.

December 25, 2006 - Christmas Day Stormy, Unsettled For Some

Merry Christmas from the Nelson family, 7NEWS, and the 24/7 Weather Center to yours!!!

We are dealing with partly to mostly sunny skies across most of Colorado today. There are a few mountain snow showers in and near the divide. Clouds are hanging tough in a few places on the eastern plains, like Greeley.

But all in all, it is a beautiful white Christmas for most of the state. Santa had pretty nice weather as he made the rounds last night, aside from the chilly temperatures.

Today the weather maps are stormy for places along the southeast coast. There have been severe thunderstorms with possible tornadoes reported across central Florida, between Tampa and Orlando.

Elsewhere, a steady rain has many hoping for a white Christmas in portions of the south, such as Arkansas. Rain fell all night, and will continue through much of Christmas Day. Temperatures were hovering between 35 and 40 degrees, and expected to fall near freezing by sunset.

There was a small chance the rain could change to light snow showers or flurries.

It was also unsettled in Washington and Oregon as a new storm system moved on shore.

December 23, 2006 - Bilzzard Puts December 2006 In The Record Books

The official storm total from the holiday blizzard in Denver was 20.7 inches, as measured at weather observation site at Stapleton.

That makes this month the 5th snowiest December on record for the city. Records date back to 1882.

1913 -- 57.4"
2. 1973 -- 30.8"
3. 1982 -- 27.1"
4. 1987 -- 21.5"
5. 2006 -- 21.2" so far
6. 1924 -- 18.4"
7. 1960 -- 17.8"
8. 1891 -- 17.5"
9. 1979 -- 16.5"
10. 1916 -- 16.3"

Since 1946, the holiday 2006 blizzard would rank as the 7th biggest snowstorm in Denver.

31.8 inches Mar 18, 2003
30.4 inches Nov 3, 1946
23.8 inches Dec 24, 1982
21.9 inches Oct 25, 1997
21.5 inches Nov 27, 1983
21.2 inches Nov 19, 1991
20.7 inches Dec. 21, 2006
18.7 inches Mar 5, 1983
17.7 inches Nov 19, 1979
17.3 inches Apr 1, 1957
16.9 inches Mar 20, 1952
16.0 inches Oct 3, 1969
15.8 inches Apr 26, 1972

The good folks at the national weather service in Boulder put together a map of the snow totals for the front range and eastern plains. Click here to see this.

December 21, 2006 - Holiday Blizzard Won't Be The Largest, But Still Memorable

The blizzard of December 2006 that paralyzed eastern Colorado will move away and into the upper midwest over the next 12 to 24 hours. As of this blog posting at 5:18 a.m. snow totals are mainly estimates from the late reports on Wednesday.

However, as stations close their 24-hour observing period at 7 am, an abundance of snow reports will be available.

In Denver and surrounding suburbs, most totals will be between 20 and 30 inches. It will not be the biggest storm in the Denver weather record, but certainly one of the top 10 to 15 events in history.

What will make it very memorable is the time of year this storm took place. It stranded thousands of holiday travels, both on the highways and those traveling by air through Denver International Airport.

We have extensive coverage on this blizzard, both here on the weather page, and on the main home page of TheDenverChannel.com. Many kudos go out to our Senior Web Producer, Wayne Harrison, who worked well over a dozen hours, exclusively on storm coverage.

In addition, I want to recognize our complete staff, including reporters, anchors, photographers, producers, graphic artists, master control staff, promotions and editors. It takes a large team to bring you in depth storm coverage, and my hats off to everyone for all their hard work.

December 20, 2006 - 24/7 Weather Center Is On Alert

The next 36 hours will be cold and snowy. We will be measuring this storm in feet at many locations.

The bottom line is heavy snow will fall in the mountains, foothills, Denver, and eastern Colorado, potentially causing a nightmare on the roads.

We are monitoring the latest details with each passing hour, so please stay with us both on television and here online for the latest forecast information.

Today would be a great day to bookmark our weather page if you haven't done so already. The blue navigation menu on the left contains links to tools that will help you track the storm.

You will also find detailed information in the forecast discussion on our main weather page, below weather news.

We know you have a choice for weather coverage, and thank you for choosing 7NEWS.

December 18, 2006 - Cold Air Building Over Alaska

We are watching another area of cold air building over the interior of Alaska this week.

Fairbanks will see highs over the next few days in the single digits below zero, with overnight lows around 20 to 25 below. That is some 5 to 10 degrees below normal for this time of year.

As you recall, we tracked arctic air over Alaska for nearly three weeks during the month of November, and it eventually broke off and slid our direction after Thanksgiving.

It is something to keep an eye on this time of year, especially as we head into the winter season this week.

December 16, 2006 - Weather Pattern Turning Colder, Unsettled

A cold front will usher in some more seasonal, if not slightly below normal temperatures over the next 5 to 7 days. We will also see a chance for snow in the Denver area, off and on, between Saturday night and Wednesday.

In the mountains snow will fall through the extended forecast period, creating wintry driving conditions, especially over the higher passes.

Wind will make it hard to drive today in some locations, so keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and don't speed.

December 15, 2006 - Strong Storm System Pounds Washington, Oregon

A storm moving in from the ocean is wreaking havoc on western Washington and Oregon this Friday. Hundreds of schools are closed, nearly a million are without power, flights are delayed and some roads are closed.

There have been at least 3 deaths so far, mainly due to falling trees.

On Thursday, an erratic wind gust caught a Northwest Airlines, Boeing 757, just seconds before it touched down. The wind gust made for such a shaky, unsteady landing that the pilot had to abort and try again. You can see this on the video linked above.

That same storm system will begin to impact Colorado as we head into the weekend. Much cooler temperatures, wind and snow will be in the forecast nearly statewide starting late Saturday and lasting into early next week.

December 14, 2006 - Warm Weather Will Give Way To Cold, Snow

You know when you get 50s and even 60s in Denver and across eastern Colorado in the middle of December that something will give -- and it looks like that change will arrive sometime Saturday.

Windy, mild weather today and Friday will give way to cold, blustery and even snowy weather starting Sunday. The unsettled weather is expected to last into the middle of next week.

The cold and snow will arrive just days before Christmas, hopefully putting you in the true holiday spirit if you aren't already. It raises the question of will we see a white Christmas in the Denver area?

If you want all the facts about the chances of seeing a white Christmas, and would like to take our online survery, click onto the main weather page and look for the story under Weather News.

December 12, 2006, 5:00 p.m. - Geminid Meteor Shower Peaks Wednesday Night

If you are a stargazer, and you have clear skies where you live Wednesday night, get ready for what might be the best meteor shower of 2006.

The Geminid Meteor Shower will peak, offering as many as 40 to 90 meteors per hour for your viewing pleasure. The best time for viewing the meteor shower will be between midnight and 3 a.m. in the southeast sky. As always you will need to get away from the city lights for the best view. Geminids tend to be fast and bright, so get ready for a great show.

It might be tough to see the meteor showers in mountain locations, but locations from Denver east should have ok viewing.

December 12, 2006 - Washington, Oregon In For More Stormy Weather

The Pacific Northwest just can't seem to catch a break this fall. Another series of storm systems will hammer the region this week with wind, rain and snow.

Recall durnig November, many locations recorded 15 to 25 inches of rain, with all-time records set for some cities, including Olympia.

Seattle has recorded 18.45 inches of rain since October 1. Olympia has seen 22.53 inches of rain over the past 2 months.

For most us here in Colorado, that is unthinkable. The average precipitation for most major cities in Colorado is only 12 to 16 inches for an entire calendar year!

December 11, 2006 - Weather System Brings Snow, Wind To Mountains

Snow and wind was affecting travel all over Colorado's high country Monday as a storm system passes by. Numerous advisories remain in effect through the afternoon hours.

A widespread 4 to 8 inches of snow was expected before all is said and done. It is great news for the ski resorts, who haven't seen much natural snow so far during the month of December.

December 9, 2006 - Ski Free At Monarch Mountain This Monday

If you happen to be off work this coming Monday, or can take the day off, consider heading to ski at Monarch Mountain.

On Monday, December 11, the resort is offering free lift tickets. Monarch Mountain is located in central Colorado along the Continental Divide, in the Sawatch Range.

The elevation is over 10,000 feet and just under 12,000 feet at the summit.

December 8, 2006 - Expect Quiet Weather This Weekend

High pressure is in control of most of the country this weekend, with the only real organized area of unsettled weather along the northwest coast.

Places like Washington and Oregon are in for wind, rain, cold and snow in the higher elevations both Saturday and Sunday.

That will spread further inland by Sunday, affecting Idaho, western Montana and Wyoming, and the western mountains of Colorado.

Elsewhere, a few light showers are possible with daytime heating over Florida.

The upper midwest and northeast states will be warming up over the weekend after a real chiller over the past few days.

December 7, 2006 - Tornado Reported In Northwest London

At least six people have been hurt in a neighborhood in London by what may have been a tornado.

That's what witnesses said it was.

The high winds caused considerable damage, ripping tiles and a big chunks of roofs off houses and dumping piles of debris on the streets. Video footage from Sky News showed a car buried beneath bricks.

One resident of the northwest London neighborhood said he was working at his computer desk when he saw debris flying through the air.

Another man told the British Broadcasting Corp. he saw a huge cloud rolling up the street. He said he was going to try to get a picture of it when debris smashed out all his windows.

Britain gets an average of 33 tornadoes a year.

December 6, 2006 - Record Low Levels Reported On Lake Superior

If you have never been to Lake Superior, you might not realize that the lake is currently 17 inches lower than its long-term average. In fact, the lake hasn't been this low since December of 1925.

But for residents that live near this massive body of water, there are some obvious signs.

In the upper Michigan city of Marquette, you can see the water drop on the exposed dock pilings at the Lower Harbor ore dock. Since June 1, many locations along the south shore of Lake Superior are down 4 to 8 inches in precipitation.

Water levels are also lower than normal on Lakes Michigan and Huron.

The dry conditions are not only affecting the lakes, but also streams and rivers. In the winter, this can especially be a problem on shallow streams because they freeze from the bottom up, rather than just on the top layer. When this happens, it is called anchor ice, and can be a real problem for fish and organisms at the bottom of the water to sustain life.

The low waters are also causing problems for anglers, recreational boaters, and in some cases, commercial shipping.

For a complete story from the Marquette Mining Journal, click here.

December 5, 2006 - Share Your Weather Pics With 7NEWS Viewers

Do you like to look at the sky? Or maybe you like to capture those beautiful storm clouds as weather systems move into Colorado.

If you do, we'd love for you to share your best shots with us. Sunsets, clouds, snowfall, frozen lakes, and snowcapped mountains all make for beautiful scenes.

To see past weather pictures from our viewers, click on the Digital Album button in the blue navigation bar on this page.

December 4, 2006 - Full Cold Moon Lives Up To Its Name

The Moon will officially be full at 5:24 pm this evening. The brightness over the past few nights, combined with the clear skies and snowpack, have made it so you can almost see when outside in the middle of the night.

During this month the winter cold often moves into the area, gripping us for several days. We have seen that over the past week here in Colorado.

The nights are at their longest and darkest. It is also sometimes called the Moon before Yule.

The term Long Night Moon is also sometimes used name because the midwinter night is so long, and because the Moon is above the horizon for a long time.

The midwinter full Moon has a high trajectory across the sky because it is opposite a low Sun.

December 2, 2006 - Typhoon Durian Kills Hundreds

Typhoon Durian slammed the Philippines on Thursday with winds up to 165 mph, torrential rain, and waves higher than many houses.

At least 388 people have been killed, according to CNN, and up to 75 others were missing.

Several villages were buried in mud and debris in the Albay province, one of the hardest hit areas.

Durian is the fourth devastating typhoon to strike the Philippines in the past four months.

Survivors of the deadly storm told of red-hot, car-sized boulders that were loosened by the torrential rains. These boulders roared down the sides of the 8,000-foot Mayon volcano and into villages.

Here in the United States, the equivalent of a typhoon is the hurricane. These beasts are the exact same creature, just with different names. The 2006 Atlantic hurricane season ended quietly on Thursday after a record season in 2005.

December 1, 2006 - November Ends Warmer Than Normal

The month of November was warmer than normal for much of the state, despite how the month ended.

Denver's average temperature during November was 40.5 degrees, which is 3 degrees above normal. The average high was 54.8 degrees and the average low was 26.1 degrees.

It was over a half inch below normal for precipitation. We picked up 4.4 inches of snow during November.

It was a record setting month with the highest November temperature ever recorded in Denver. We hit 80 degrees back on the 8th. On the 20th we tied the record high for the date at 72 degrees.