The fall season brings a great variety of weather to the Mile High City of Denver and the Front Range of Colorado. Some years the heat of summer stands its ground and sticks around well into the fall. Other years can see killing frosts before October even starts. Some years the season amuses, with roller coaster temperatures still deciding on which way to lean between summer and winter. Then there are autumns when the area surrenders to the impending winter only to be surprised by stretch of more temperate conditions. This situation is generally referred to as “Indian Summer”. The National Weather Service defines Indian Summer as weather conditions that are sunny and clear with above normal temperatures, occurring late-September to mid-November. It is usually described as occurring after a killing frost.
The sense of urgency is also apparent this time of year as people, plants and animals prepare for Jack Frost, Ol’ Man Winter and the colder conditions to come.
So just when will Denver and the surrounding areas see freezing temperatures and its first snow this fall? Those two occurrences sometimes go hand in hand, as to see snow in the Mile High City you need those colder temperatures that could bring the first freeze too. Of course the first freeze of the season may go it alone with a “no show” for the snow.
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center’s long range temperature and precipitation outlooks trend toward a warmer and drier scenario (than average) over the next few months for Colorado.
This could push back the wintery conditions a bit this year. September this year looks to be in the clear when it comes to freezing temperatures and snow but that hasn’t always been the case.
The earliest first freeze recorded in Denver was back on September 8, 1962 and the earliest snowfall on record occurred on September 3, 1961. That date 4 inches of snow was recorded at the old Stapleton International Airport with a morning low of 33 degrees.
For Denver on average, the first frost of the season is October 7th and the average first snowfall is October 18th.
First Freeze Last 10 Years:
October 6, 2016
October 28, 2015
October 3, 2014
October 4, 2013
October 5, 2012
October 17, 2011
October 27, 2010
October 2, 2009
October 13, 2008
October 8, 2007
First Measurable Snow Last 10 Years:
November 17, 2016
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
Meteorologist Mike Morrison