Colorado Climate (Denver, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction: credit, live, heating bill)

[Vision67]

Why are Colorado’s summers getting hotter? It’s climate change

Denver used to average about five days of 95-degree heat prior to the 1970s; now it’s more than 20 days

https://www.denverpost.com/2021/07/0...o-summer-heat/

"Summer warming

The U.S. meteorological summer season, which runs from June 1-Aug. 31, has warmed by at least 2.0 degrees since 1970, according to Climate Central, an independent organization that surveys and conducts scientific research on climate change.

In Denver and Colorado Springs, the summer season has warmed by 2.6 degrees since 1970 — higher than the national average. Grand Junction’s average summer temperature is up by 1 degree, smaller but still notable.

Higher average temperatures increase the number of extreme heat days. Denver used to average about five days of 95-degree heat prior to the 1970s; now it’s more than 20 days. Colorado Springs used to experience 11 days of 90-degree heat in 1970, now the city feels 30 days of intense heat per season. Grand Junction saw an average of four days of 100-degree heat in 1970 and now that number has increased to nine days."

[Melanzana92]

Seeing Grand Junction's weather forecasts this summer is surprising. So many 100+ days.

This summer feels quite warm so far. Our average high in July is 72 in Leadville. 10-day forecast average high looks to be 74.5. I know that that's just weather, but it's a continuation of the pattern we've seen so far this year.

Haven't seen 80 this July yet though. We hit 80 a couple times last month. Although that was during a small heatwave, I expected to see it again since July is usually the warmest.

[brightdoglover]

When I started visiting at 7,000 feet in 1988, people were putting sweatshirts on in the morning. No need now. (Have lived here for 3 1/2 years after frequent visiting).

I got a mini ductless split a/c. Been teased about having a/c, but I think I'm ahead of the curve. I have never wanted a/c because of its effect on environment, but cannot stand being too hot (Eastern sun pours in the morning). On the other hand, I have virtually no heating bills in the winter because of that same sun.

[BarryK123]

We have a relatively accurate weather history for about 150 years. The earth is 4.5 billion years old. 40 years is a mere blip of statistical insignificance.

[otowi]

We also have climatological data for millions of years which support the idea that this is a very different and quick kind of anomaly going on right now.

[COcheesehead]

There were tree ring studies done from wood found at Mesa Verde. They discovered that there were 30-40 year periods of great drought. So I guess you could say we’ve been there, done that and look what happened to the inhabitants of the cliff dwellings. Wait, check that, never mind.

[bontrager]

Originally Posted by Vision67

Why are Colorado’s summers getting hotter? It’s climate change

Denver used to average about five days of 95-degree heat prior to the 1970s; now it’s more than 20 days

https://www.denverpost.com/2021/07/0...o-summer-heat/

"Summer warming

The U.S. meteorological summer season, which runs from June 1-Aug. 31, has warmed by at least 2.0 degrees since 1970, according to Climate Central, an independent organization that surveys and conducts scientific research on climate change.

In Denver and Colorado Springs, the summer season has warmed by 2.6 degrees since 1970 — higher than the national average. Grand Junction’s average summer temperature is up by 1 degree, smaller but still notable.

Higher average temperatures increase the number of extreme heat days. Denver used to average about five days of 95-degree heat prior to the 1970s; now it’s more than 20 days. Colorado Springs used to experience 11 days of 90-degree heat in 1970, now the city feels 30 days of intense heat per season. Grand Junction saw an average of four days of 100-degree heat in 1970 and now that number has increased to nine days."

Awesome! Love it. It's been in the low to mid 90's the past week with humidity in the teens, so it feels like 20 degrees cooler. Here's to a milder winter!

[brightdoglover]

When I lived in New England, I loved the fall, like everyone, but wouldn't give it credit there, "This feels like Colorado." Love the dryness at any temperature.

[pikabike]

Originally Posted by COcheesehead

There were tree ring studies done from wood found at Mesa Verde. They discovered that there were 30-40 year periods of great drought. So I guess you could say we’ve been there, done that and look what happened to the inhabitants of the cliff dwellings. Wait, check that, never mind.

People have BTDT but they still don’t think it will happen to us again.

We (humans) are consuming everything like there’s no tomorrow. Whoa, replay that sentence...

[jim9251]

It's climate, it changes.

I remember a few years ago it snowing on the first day of summer. I remember it snowing on the 4th of July and in August. There will be hot spells and cold spells. Drought and floods. Now get CHINA to stop polluting and you may have something.