Denver tied the record high for December 12th with a temperature of 69 degrees, matching the mark last set way back in 1985!
The JET STREAM winds have been steering the storm track well to the north and east of Colorado, leaving us with warm, dry weather. As of this afternoon, it has been 64 days since Denver officially reported measurable snow. The last time snow accumulated to at least a tenth of an inch was on October 10th.
The record number of consecutive days without snow (after the first snow of the season) is 69 days, set from November 26, 2002 to February 2, 2003.
However, in the past 24 hours, the latest computer forecast models have shifted a bit and there is now a chance for snow in the Denver forecast for late Wednesday and Thursday. A cold front will drop into Colorado from Wyoming on Wednesday. This front is expected to be stronger and farther to the west than earlier expected, and will likely bring snow to the area.
Wednesday will start mild and dry, but the colder air will move in by midday and keep temperatures cooler than in recent days. Highs will be in the low to mid-50s by late morning and begin to fall in the afternoon.
Light snow will develop in the northern mountains in the afternoon and will move into the Front Range foothills and western Denver suburbs toward evening. Both the morning and late afternoon commutes will be fine, with dry roads - except for the northern mountains.
The colder air will move across the metro area Wednesday evening through Thursday morning, along with some light snow. This will not be a major storm, probably 3 to 5 inches in the mountains and an inch or less for Denver and the I-25 Corridor, with 1 to 3 inches in the foothills.
It should be enough snow to bring an end to the streak of dry days in Denver. The only reason this might not happen is that the best chance for accumulation will be on the west and south side of the Denver area, while the snowfall measurements are taken at DIA. It is possible that much of the city will get at least enough snow to lightly cover the ground, but the airport may be missed!
So far, we've only seen 2.8 inches of snow in Denver this season. By early December, Denver would typically see around 17 inches of snow...so we are well below normal.
This system will quickly exit the area with snow flurries ending Thursday and skies clearing. Friday will be mild and dry under sunny skies.
Another, slightly stronger cold front will arrive Saturday afternoon and early Sunday with colder temperatures and a chance for more light snow for Denver and a few inches of snow for the mountains.
We are seeing signs of a change in the pattern next week through Christmas and the JET STREAM may bring more cold air in from Canada and perhaps some more significant snow before Christmas. Keep your fingers crossed!
