DENVER (KDVR) — An arctic blast this past weekend plunged temperatures across Colorado to alarming lows, causing significant travel disruptions and leaving the region under snow. The cold snapped over the weekend saw Denver itself drop to subzero levels, but several other locations recorded even more frigid temperatures.
Reports indicate temperatures across Colorado plummeted to as low as minus 20 and 30 degrees. According to the National Weather Service, Denver experienced lows around minus 11 degrees when the winter weather first struck. Roads became slick and treacherous, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations and delays at the Denver International Airport.
Residents are reeling from the longest hard freeze seen this season, with snowfall accumulating over a foot in parts of the state. The impact was felt statewide as the heart of this cold front rolled through. Just days before, Colorado enjoyed relatively mild weather, but the sudden change prompted warnings and advisories.
The National Weather Service stated, "Temperatures from 10 above to 10 below zero with very cold wind chills as low as 25 below are expected," advising residents to dress warmly if venturing outdoors. The situation worsened by Monday, with the forecast predicting single-digit highs and dangerously low wind chill readings reaching around twenty to thirty degrees below zero.
For those unaware, frostbite can set in on exposed skin within just thirty minutes under such extreme conditions. "The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes," cautioned CBS Colorado, urging individuals to minimize outdoor time and dress appropriately.
Although Denver’s subzero temperatures felt dire, worse conditions were reported from nearby locales. Residents along the higher elevations reported experiencing extreme cold leading to similar weather patterns. Many areas faced the prospect of enduring the chill even longer with forecasts showing no immediate relief.
Looking to Tuesday, the weather team noted temperatures could still dip below zero, but expectations for warmer weather began to surface. "Denver is expected to break freezing around noon on Tuesday and will warm up throughout the week," KDVR stated, providing some much-needed hope for weary residents.
But as Coloradans begin to thaw, reminders linger about the potential for another cold snap approaching later this week. Reports have indicated oncoming fluctuations could bring more freezing temperatures back, sustaining the chill through the end of the month.
The repeated cold fronts serve as stark reminders of Colorado’s often unpredictable and harsh winter weather patterns. The recent extreme cold event highlights just how quickly conditions can shift, leaving many wondering what to expect next.
For safety, citizens are advised to prepare adequately for the next wave of cold weather, continuously keeping track of changing forecasts and conditions. It is always wise to remain vigilant during winter months, ensuring proper preparation for both oneself and family.
With such drastic weather experienced, it certainly makes one appreciate the warm days of summer, even as memories of winter’s cold grip the Rockies.