Quick Monday Morning Update

Last night's forecast is still on track, with temperatures approaching 80F under clear skies today, before a strong system brings a chance of snow to the region on Wednesday.  The timing of the cold air punch doesn't look ideal for Denver to receive much accumulation, however... I think snow will fall, but temperatures will be near to above freezing during the day Wednesday for much of the event, which combined with a high sun angle at this time of year, won't be conducive for accumulation.  The foothills and mountains could receive more significant totals, however.

I made a post on my Facebook page this morning regarding May snowfall in Denver (since Wed is May 1st), and wanted to repost it below.  Also, here is a very interesting and informative article written by the NWS Denver/Boulder office about our pattern of spring storms this year.

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/images/bou/showimages/Explanation_for_%20Recent_Big_Snowfalls.pdf


Post about May snowfall...

Regarding the forecast for snow on May 1st... snow in May in Denver is not unusual. In fact, the city averages 1.7" of the white stuff in May, and saw accumulating snowfall in May in 2010 and 2011. Significant snow events in May are rare in Denver, but they have happened before... the biggest single storm snow total ever in May was 12.4" in 1978.

The cold air punch for our upcoming storm is looking a little weaker this morning, so I don't think we'll see much accumulation from this storm... but do expect snow to fall during the day Wednesday, and much colder temperatures after highs push 80F today.