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Denver 12 days from setting lack-of-snow record

Posted at 1:15 PM, Nov 10, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-10 16:00:14-05

DENVER -- Denver is just 12 days from setting a record for snow, well actually, for the lack of snow.

November 21 is the latest Denver has ever seen its first measurable snowfall. That happened back in 1934.

The 1930s were the dust bowl years, when extreme droughts and high winds created large dust storms that removed top soil and lasted for days, according to ColoradoPreservation.org.

While Denver7 First Alert Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson said the long range forecasts for next week show a shift in the jet stream pattern, the question is, whether that shift will bring snow to Denver and how much.

"Some snow is expected by Wednesday of next week for the high country," Nelson said. "There may be light snow for Denver and the eastern plains by next Wednesday night and early Thursday."

However, Nelson isn't ready to say how much snow may fall.

Denver usually sees its first snowfall by October 18. Not only have we not seen snow in Denver, we haven't seen any precipitation since October 13.

While 29 days seems like a long time, we've had much longer streaks, according to the National Weather Service.

If you're thinking it doesn't feel that late to get our first measurable snow in November, you're right. We didn't get measurable snow in Denver until November 5 last year and November 11 in 2014.

First measurable snow in Denver over last decade:

  • November 5, 2015
  • November 11, 2014
  • October 18, 2013
  • October 5, 2012
  • October 25, 2011
  • November 15, 2010
  • October 21, 2009
  • November 14, 2008
  • October 22, 2007
  • October 18, 2006

Denver averages 57.3 inches of snow per year. The least we've ever received is 21.3 inches in 1888-89. The most was 118.7 inches in 1908-09.

Statistics from the National Weather Service in Boulder.

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