Mike's Weather Blog -- July 2006

July 31, 2006 - Big Thompson Flood Remembered

Today is the 30 year anniversary of the deadly Big Thompson Flash Flood that claimed over 140 lives.

Several events are taking place to pay tribute to the event, including a free seminar by 7NEWS and Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District.

It will be held at the district's headquarters, located at 220 Water Avenue in Berthoud. The programs begins at 6 p.m. and will last approximately three hours.

Arrive early for a good seat! There is a place right here on TheDenverChannel.com to RSVP. Just look under Weather News.

July 30, 2006 - Heatwave Grips Nation

It's red hot from the Gulf Coast to the Canadian border this weekend with widespread 90s and 100s.

Heat advisories are in effect from Arkansas to Minnesota due to the heat and humidity. Both Little Rock and Minneapolis are forecasting highs around 100 degrees with a heat index climbing into the 110-115 degree range.

In northwest Nebraska several wildland fires continue raging out of control. Some structures have been lost due to the advancing flames.

In western South Dakota several locations have been setting all-time record highs.

Here in Colorado relief from the heat is expected this coming week as the monsoon moisture returns and highs stay mostly in the 80s along the Front Range.

July 28, 2006 - Insight To Weather Lingo

Meteorology is a complicated science, filled with acronyms and big words that can be quite a challenge. But it is also filled with simple ideas that can be difficult to understand too.

One of these is the famous "chance" for precipitation.

What does it mean when there is a 20 percent chance for thunderstorms?

A chance means there is that much probability that a storm will form over any area of the forecast zone, at anytime during the forecast period.

This can be frustrating for those who really need some moisture, especially when chances are as high of 40 or 50 percent, and you remain dry.

The forecast zone is usually several counties, and in our case based here in Denver, includes all of northeast Colorado. So when you are talking an area that large in a 12-hour timeframe -- although the chance may be 40 percent, it is likely that many are still going to remain dry.

When chances reach above 60 percent, it is usually a good bet that we are dealing with a storm system that is more uniform and will bring some type of precipitation to the entire forecast area. An example would be a widespread light rain or snow event due to a strong upslope flow into the area.

When chances are below 60 percent, we are typically dealing with convective weather, or storms that brew up where the best elements are in place. An example would be the summertime afternoon storms.

July 27, 2006 - Dangers Of Lightning

Taking a look back at weather history on this date there are several reports of lightning encounters.

On this date in 1989, lightning hit a home in Littleton, setting a bed on fire. In 1994, lightning set a furniture store in Boulder on fire.

In 1997, a lightning strike caused extensive damage to a home in Watkins during an afternoon thunderstorm. In 1999, lightning caused serious damage to a farm in Hudson. Several farm vehicles, a boat and a barn were destroyed by the blaze.

July 26, 2006 - Heat Building Once Again

It has been a hot summer for Colorado and much of the nation, and there are more high temperatures in the forecast.

By this weekend we could see triple digit heat in the Denver area.

But if you think it has been hot here, our friends over in Fresno, California, would beg to differ.

Today will be the 13th consecutive day with highs over 100 degrees, the 11th consecutive above 105 degrees, and the 32nd day this year with triple digit heat.

On Tuesday Fresno set a new record high of 113 degrees.

If you have travel plans to Fresno, the forecast has more of the same with expected highs above 110 degrees over the next three days and above 100 degrees for the next five days.

Here along the Front Range we are monitoring a possible cooling trend by the middle of next week.

July 25, 2006 - On This Date In Weather History

In 1896 a heavy thunderstorm moved through the Denver area dropping an inch of rain with sustained northwest winds of 45 mph.

In 1965 the end of a five-day rainfall over the Denver area measured as much as five inches in some locations.

More recently in 2001 lightning struck two homes in Lafayette while large hail was recorded in both Sedalia and near Castle Rock.

And just last year a mud slide buried a car in Jamestown after heavy rain fell over the Overland Burn Scar.

July 22, 2006 - Last Days Of July Can Be Wet Historically

The last few days of July into the first part of August can be an active one in terms of weather along the Front Range.

Over 6 inches of rain fell on August 3-4, 1951, causing over $500,000 in damage to the campus of CSU in Fort Collins. At the peak of the storm over an inch of rain was recorded in just 15 minutes.

One of the most deadly flood events of this time period is the Big Thompson Flash Flood. On July 31, 1976, hundreds of residents and tourists were enjoying one of Colorado’s most scenic river valleys. No one knew that a combination of unusual atmospheric conditions and the rugged terrain of the Big Thompson Canyon were about to spell disaster.

As is typical for late July, afternoon thunderstorms formed over the foothills and adjacent mountains. Winds aloft are often weak in the mid-summer, but on this date they were unusually weak.

In fact, there weren’t even enough winds aloft to push the storms off the higher terrain and onto the adjacent plains.

Rain poured from the clouds and turned the usually tame Big Thompson River into a 19-foot wall of water that rushed through the canyon. The flood pushed everything like a bulldozer, including huge boulders.

The only method of escape was up the canyon walls.

The flood killed nearly 150 people and destroyed over 400 houses and 150 businesses.

In 1965 heavy rain fell around Denver causing flooding from the foothills east to Aurora. Some locations picked up over five inches between July 20-25.

Other memorable flood events include a flood in Fort Collins on July 24-25, 1977 and a severe rain event more recently on July 27-28, 1997.

That year a series of heavy rainstorms fell in west Fort Collins. Many locations picked up over 4 inches of rain, with an isolated pocket over a foot in the southwest part of the city. All that water swept through the Spring Creek watershed, derailing a moving freight train and destroying two trailer parks. Sadly five people were killed from the flood.

That one rain event set a new 1-day, 3-hour and 6-hour precipitation record at the rain gauge on the CSU campus.

July 21, 2006 - Tropical Storm Beryl Makes Landfall

The second tropical storm of the season made landfall overnight on Nantucket Island, Mass., bringing periods of heavy rain and gusty winds.

There has been no reports of damage from the storm.

Beryl is now accelerating off to the northeast and will lose tropical characteristics as it gets swept up with a cold front.

The next named storm of the season will be called Chris.

July 20, 2006 - Slight Risk Of Severe Weather Thursday

A slight risk of severe weather exists today over the northeast plains of Colorado, with large hail the main threat.

Elsewhere scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms are possible and they could contain heavy rain.

Highs over the next few days should range from the mid-80s to lower 90s in Denver compared to the upper 90s and low 100s we have seen in recent days.

July 18, 2006 - Record-Breaking Heat Grips The Nation

Record heat continues to grip the nation with widespread 100s from South Dakota to Texas and from Colorado east to New York City.

Countless records have fallen over the past few days as a ridge of high pressure continues to sit over the nation.

The high pressure has sent the jet stream far to the north of Canada, allowing a bubble of hot air to sit over the central United States.

A cold front will slip south and bring a little relief in the coming days, but in the short term, it will remain dangerously hot.

July 17, 2006 - Share Your Weather Pictures

We have received dozens of pictures in the Digital Album this month. Everything from lightning and hail to neat clouds and pretty sunsets.

When you capture weather on film upload a copy of your best shots to share with all the viewers of 7NEWS.

July 16, 2006 - More Records Could Fall Sunday, Monday

It was blistering hot on Saturday and there is more heat in store to start the new week.

A pocket of widespread 100s extended from Texas to North Dakota.

In Colorado a new record was set at Denver with an afternoon high Saturday of 101 degrees. Highs also topped out in the low 100s at Grand Junction, Greeley, Fort Collins and Pueblo.

Across the central and high plains highs climbed to 105 degrees at Bismarck, North Dakota, 112 degrees at Chadron, Nebraska, and 107 degrees at Torrington, Wyoming.

The heat will continue right into the new work week. Stay cool and hydrated!

July 15, 2006 - Near Record Highs This Weekend

Very hot temperatures, light winds and mostly sunny skies will create prime conditions for pollutants to "cook" during the afternoon heat this weekend, forming ground-level ozone.

Unlike the good ozone high in the atmosphere that helps protect us from the damaging UV rays of the sun, ground-level ozone can be harmful to your health.

If you already suffer from asthma or other health problems, stay indoors and take it easy. If you are healthy and active, you too can suffer. Avoid heavy exercise and activity during the mid to late afternoon when daytime heating reaches a maximum.

There are numerous things you can do to help reduce pollutants such as fill your car with gas in the late evening. If you are painting this weekend use a water-based paint ot stain.

More information can be found in the story under our Weather News button.

July 14, 2006 - Near Record Highs This Weekend

It's going to be a hot one all over Colorado this weekend with widespread 90s at lower elevations and mid 70 to mid 80s in the higher terrain. Along and east of I-25 we will be up around the 100 degree mark, and that means some record highs could fall for places like Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo.

This would be a good weekend to do some work indoors. If you must be outside, take it easy. Drink plenty of water and don't forget to apply the sunscreen.

July 12, 2006 - Outdoor Lightning Safety

Lightning is one of the biggest outdoor weather dangers we have in Colorado. A bolt of lightning can strike 10 and even in rare cases, up to 20 miles away from a thunderstorm. Just recently we saw a teenager in Castle Rock struck by lightning as he mowed the lawn out ahead of an approaching thunderstorm. Thankfully he survived.

Detailed information on lightning safety can be found at the Colorado Lightning Resource Center by visiting their Web site.

More specifically, they have a very detailed section on outdoor safety when no shelter is available on this page of their Web site.

July 11, 2006 - July's Full Moon

The July Full Moon is called the Full Buck Moon, for this is usually the time when new antlers push through the foreheads of deer. The antlers are covered with velvety fur.

It is also called the Full Thunder Moon because thunderstorms are so frequent this time of year around the country.

A less common name for the July Full Moon is the Full Hay Moon.

July 10, 2006 - Colorado's Weather Headline Will Shift From Wet To Hot

After some much needed rain across the entire state, conditions will dry up and warm beginning today. There is still the threat for a few afternoon thunderstorms, but chances will be on the decrease.

Thermometers will rise into the 90s after today and should stay there most of the week. Far eastern Colorado, near the Kansas line, will see temperatures near the century mark later this week.

It looks like July weather will arrive in Colorado after all!

July 9, 2006 - Widespread Rain Welcomed

This is a great day to log onto the CoCoRaHS Web site and look at the precipitation patterns. Much of the Denver area and adjacent foothills saw around an inch of rain Saturday.

Amounts were lighter to northeast with a tenth to quarter inch of Morgan County.

Fort Collins saw some of the greatest rainfall totals in weeks with a widespread tenth to quarter inch of rain. Amounts were closer to a half inch in the Loveland vicinity.

Even our friends on the western slope saw rain with up to 18 hundredths in Grand Junction.

July 8, 2006 - Unusually High Dewpoint Temperatures Mean Heavy Rain Likely

If you are from the deep south it may not feel too bad, but for those native to Colorado, this is about as muggy as it gets. Dewpoint temperatures across eastern Colorado are in the upper 50s and lower 60s -- an extremely moist airmass. Not a good airmass for the ladies and their hair do's! But excellent to help catch up on the rainfall deficits around the state.

This airmass means there is a serious threat for heavy rain producing thunderstorms in place.

A cold front hanging out in the region will create enough lift to instigate showers and storms this afternoon.

Be sure to stay right here on TheDenverChannel.com and with 7NEWS for the latest weather information. We have live radar, watches and warnings, current conditons and more available to help you stay ahead of the storms. All these tools can be found in the blue navigation bar on the left of this page.

If you have Comcast Digital Cable, tune to Channel 247 for additional weather information.

July 7, 2006 - Don't Forget The Suncreen

To prevent premature aging, sun damage, and skin cancer, you need to protect yourself and your family from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun.

Lavishly apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, and reapply it every two hours according to the directions on the label.

Reapply sunscreen as needed after swimming, sweating or towel drying -- and use sunscreen even on cloudy days.

Avoid the sun during the middle of the day, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the atmosphere absorbs less of the harmful UV rays of sunlight than earlier or later in the day.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat, protective clothing, and sunglasses.

Never leave children exposed to the sun without adequate protection. Because of the long time it takes for cancer to develop, studies suggest that over-exposure early in life may lead to skin cancers later in life.

If you have guests visiting from out of state, especially from a much lower elevation, make sure you let them know that it will take less time to burn here in Colorado due to the higher elevation. Also, drink plenty of water due to our drier climate.

July 6, 2006 - Watching Precipitation Patterns

With all the monsoonal moisture we've seen about the state in recent days, the news still isn't good for many. It has truly been a case of the haves and have nots.

Some locations have seen 3 to 8 inches of rain since July 2nd while others have only received a trace to a quarter inch.

Thanks to the Community Collaborative Rain and Hail Study we can see these precipitation patters in great detail for many locations around the state.

Log onto this Web site and click on maps for more.

If you see gaps in the data where you live consider becoming a volunteer observer. And if there is already someone near your location, but you are still interested, that is o.k. too. The ultimately goal is 1 or more gauages per square mile if possible.

July 5, 2006 - Much Needed Rain Falls Over Denver

Mother Nature brought some fireworks of her own to the shows around Denver Tuesday night. Thunderstorms over northeast Colorado sent outflow winds west toward Denver and when these winds collided with the terrain and low-level instability, the result was rapidly developing thunderstorms.

The heaviest rain fell over central and northwest Denver where some picked up more than an inch. Two tornadoes were spotted with the storms, one northeast of Parker and the other near Strasburg.

The monsoon moisture remains in place today and it could be another busy afternoon in terms of storms. As always, you can count of the 24/7 Weather Center, TheDenverChannel.com and Comcast Digital Cable Channel 247 for all the latest.

July 4, 2006 - Sprinkler Systems In The Rain

With the monsoonal moisture we've seen over the past few days, some parts of town have received between 2 and 4 inches of rain in just two days. That is a lot of water!

If you have a sprinkler system and we receive a good rainfall, turn it off for a few days and save on the water bill. In addition to saving money, you will be helping conserve the local water supply.

Many newer sprinkler systems have a weather sensor that will automatically turn the system off when rainfall reaches an intensity that it deems high enough to do so. The system will then stay off until the sensor dries out.

Keep in mind you don't need a large rainfall to benefit your lawn. Even a tenth to a quarter inch of rain will be enough to take care of the watering for a couple of days.

Let's say you have an acre of land and receive an inch of rain. That would equate to 27,154 gallons of water falling over your property. So even if you only receive .05 inches of rain, we're still talking about 1,300 gallons of water!

July 3, 2006 - Sunday Storms Bring Flooding, Welcome Rain

Folks on the northwest side of town are wondering what rain but on the southeast side of the Denver metro is was a different story.

A strong line of afternoon thunderstorms dropped 1 to 2 inches of rain over a swath from northern Douglas County into western Arapahoe County.

At one point Gun Club Road between Alameda and Mississippi was closed due to 3 feet of water over the road. Other heavy rain was reported in northeast Colorado, such as central Logan County.

More thunderstorms are possible today and they could drop heavy rain at times.

Check out the CoCoRaHS maps to see the rainfall distribution of Sunday's storms.

July 2, 2006 - Rain Finally Falls On Some In Eastern Colorado

Isolated but strong thunderstorms dropped pockets of very heavy rain on eastern Colorado Saturday. Perhaps it is best summed up by two comments from local CoCoRaHS observers.

The station 6.1 miles north of Last Chance in Washington County said, "HOORAY!!!!! We finally received some rain!!!!!"

The station 5 miles south of Lindon said, "Draws/creeks ran - can't remember when we last saw such and we were serenaded to sleep by the frogs - a sound that had the dogs wondering what the noise was!"

Heavy rain was also reported north of Burlington where a highway was flooding at one point as nearly 2 inches of rain fell in a short amount of time.

Now for the flip side - a few stations near Hesperus reported a dozen new fires within the area due to lightning strikes.

You can check the daily CoCoRaHS reports too by visiting their Web site.

July 1, 2006 - Few Severe Storms Possible Today

The first day of July could bring a few strong to severe storms from the I-25 Corridor east to Kansas. This includes the Denver area.

A weak cold front will combine with daytime heating and an increase of low-level moisture to kick-off some storms Saturday afternoon.

The main threat will be hail and high winds, but heavy rain and an isolated tornado is not out of the question.

When severe weather strikes, everything you need is right here on the weather page of TheDenverChannel.com.

Look in the blue navigation menu for the links to Radars, Severe Weather, and the Digital Album. We'll also keep you updated on 7NEWS and Comcast Digital Cable Channel 247.