Denver weather: Record-breaking cold hits city early Wednesday

Key Takeaways:

• Denver hits a record low of minus 7 degrees on Feb. 19.
• Previous record of minus 4 degrees was set in 2006.
• Windchill temperatures dropped to near minus 20 degrees.
• Temperatures remain below freezing for nearly 115 hours.
• Snow forecasted to return between Thursday and Friday.

Record-Breaking Cold Sweeps Denver

Dangerous, cold, below-zero temperatures hit Denver early Wednesday morning, breaking the record for the city’s coldest Feb. 19 in recorded history, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Temperatures plummeted to near 7 degrees below zero. The previous record low for this date, set in 2006, was minus 4 degrees.

Windchill Intensifies the Freeze

NWS meteorologists reported that windchill made overnight temperatures feel even colder, bottoming out near minus 20 degrees. Such extreme windchill temperatures increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia, making conditions particularly hazardous for anyone outdoors.

Prolonged Cold Spell Continues

Bitter cold will persist in the city as temperatures peak at only 22 degrees on Wednesday, with windchill values as low as minus 1 degree. Overnight lows are expected to drop back into the single digits. Below-zero weather remained through at least 8 a.m. Wednesday, with NWS weather observation stations in Denver recording minus 6 degrees at 7 a.m.

Temperatures fell below freezing in Denver at about 5 p.m. on Sunday and are expected to stay there until 11 a.m. Friday, according to forecasters. By the time temperatures rise back above freezing, the city will have experienced nearly 115 hours of consecutive frigid weather.

Snow Returns to Maintain the Chill

Snow is forecast to return to metro Denver between 11 a.m. Thursday and 11 a.m. Friday. While less than an inch of accumulation is expected, the winter weather will contribute to keeping temperatures low. Residents are advised to prepare for continued cold conditions and potential travel impacts due to light snowfall.

Denver’s record-breaking cold emphasizes the severity of this winter’s conditions. With dangerous windchills and an extended period below freezing, the city’s residents face ongoing challenges. The anticipated return of snow further underlines the importance of staying informed and taking precautions during this unusually harsh cold spell.