Colorado Climate Center
@climate.colostate.edu
Climate monitoring, climate research, and climate services for Colorado.
Based at the Department of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University. https://climate.colostate.edu
Based at the Department of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University. https://climate.colostate.edu
🌧️ Today marks the first day of Water Year 2027! What is a Water Year and why do water managers and climatologists use them? Check out our thread below ⬇️
Happy New (Water) Year! 🥳 Today marks the first day of Water Year 2026. But what is a "water year" and why does it begin in October? Here's a short explainer! [1/7]
October 1, 2026 at 4:01 PM
🌧️ Today marks the first day of Water Year 2027! What is a Water Year and why do water managers and climatologists use them? Check out our thread below ⬇️
For a run-down of current drought conditions and where El Niño may take us in the coming months, tune in to the September state Water Conditions Monitoring Committee meeting later this morning: cwcb.colorado.gov/Water-Condit... #cowx
Water Conditions Monitoring Committee | DNR CWCB
cwcb.colorado.gov
September 22, 2026 at 3:11 PM
For a run-down of current drought conditions and where El Niño may take us in the coming months, tune in to the September state Water Conditions Monitoring Committee meeting later this morning: cwcb.colorado.gov/Water-Condit... #cowx
August 2026 was our warmest on record: our 3rd record-warm month in this calendar year and the 4th for Water Year 2026. Last month featured a mix of worsening drought and localized flash flooding, as well as two tragic weather-related fatalities. Check out out our latest monthly summary for more:
CO Monthly Climate Summary
climate.colostate.edu
September 10, 2026 at 5:15 PM
August 2026 was our warmest on record: our 3rd record-warm month in this calendar year and the 4th for Water Year 2026. Last month featured a mix of worsening drought and localized flash flooding, as well as two tragic weather-related fatalities. Check out out our latest monthly summary for more:
NOAA data confirms that we just went through the warmest August and the warmest climatological summer (June-July-August) on record for Colorado. Stay tuned for our monthly summary (coming soon!) which will include stats on the many, many records broken this summer. #cowx
September 9, 2026 at 4:43 PM
NOAA data confirms that we just went through the warmest August and the warmest climatological summer (June-July-August) on record for Colorado. Stay tuned for our monthly summary (coming soon!) which will include stats on the many, many records broken this summer. #cowx
New blog post: What Super El Niño means for Colorado. 🧵
What Super El Niño Means for Colorado - Colorado Climate Blog
You have likely heard news about El Niño recently. The National Weather Service reports that El Niño officially began in June. Observations from the International Research Institute show that it conti...
climate.colostate.edu
September 4, 2026 at 5:01 PM
New blog post: What Super El Niño means for Colorado. 🧵
Reposted by Colorado Climate Center
The seasonality of extreme warmth was really stretched this year in Fort Collins. Back in March we had our first 90°F day forty-five (45) days earlier than one had ever been observed. Then yesterday (Aug 21) it reached 101°F, which is nearly 3 weeks later than any previous 100-degree day. #cowx
August 22, 2026 at 2:23 PM
The seasonality of extreme warmth was really stretched this year in Fort Collins. Back in March we had our first 90°F day forty-five (45) days earlier than one had ever been observed. Then yesterday (Aug 21) it reached 101°F, which is nearly 3 weeks later than any previous 100-degree day. #cowx
Reposted by Colorado Climate Center
2026 WARMTH CONTINUES 🌡️
Boulder hit 101° on Friday, breaking the daily record high for August 21st (98° | 2023)
This was the city's 7th 100°+ day and 25th 95°+ day of 2026, both new all-time calendar year records
This was also the 23rd daily record high set or tied in 2026 (#1 all-time) #COWx
Boulder hit 101° on Friday, breaking the daily record high for August 21st (98° | 2023)
This was the city's 7th 100°+ day and 25th 95°+ day of 2026, both new all-time calendar year records
This was also the 23rd daily record high set or tied in 2026 (#1 all-time) #COWx
August 22, 2026 at 2:35 PM
2026 WARMTH CONTINUES 🌡️
Boulder hit 101° on Friday, breaking the daily record high for August 21st (98° | 2023)
This was the city's 7th 100°+ day and 25th 95°+ day of 2026, both new all-time calendar year records
This was also the 23rd daily record high set or tied in 2026 (#1 all-time) #COWx
Boulder hit 101° on Friday, breaking the daily record high for August 21st (98° | 2023)
This was the city's 7th 100°+ day and 25th 95°+ day of 2026, both new all-time calendar year records
This was also the 23rd daily record high set or tied in 2026 (#1 all-time) #COWx
new blog post, recapping the symposium remembering the 50th anniversary of the Big Thompson flood:
50th Anniversary of The Big Thompson Canyon Flood of 1976: A Final Recap - Colorado Climate Blog
We’re now nearly a couple weeks past the 50th Anniversary of the Big Thompson Flood, one of the deadliest weather-related disasters in our state’s history. There were several commemorative events on J...
climate.colostate.edu
August 14, 2026 at 8:10 PM
new blog post, recapping the symposium remembering the 50th anniversary of the Big Thompson flood:
Colorado Flood Threat Bulletin shows a high risk of flash flooding again today (Friday August 14) in northeastern Colorado and along the Palmer Divide. Be weather aware and stay safe! #cowx
www.coloradofloodthreat.com
www.coloradofloodthreat.com
August 14, 2026 at 8:03 PM
Colorado Flood Threat Bulletin shows a high risk of flash flooding again today (Friday August 14) in northeastern Colorado and along the Palmer Divide. Be weather aware and stay safe! #cowx
www.coloradofloodthreat.com
www.coloradofloodthreat.com
July is the hottest month of the year in Colorado, and this July was the 2nd hottest on record. Records were broken for both hot days and warm nights. The monsoon finally arrived, bringing welcome rain but unwelcome flash flooding. Read more in our July summary! climate.colostate.edu/monthly_summ...
August 11, 2026 at 6:25 PM
July is the hottest month of the year in Colorado, and this July was the 2nd hottest on record. Records were broken for both hot days and warm nights. The monsoon finally arrived, bringing welcome rain but unwelcome flash flooding. Read more in our July summary! climate.colostate.edu/monthly_summ...
*Big* pattern change on the way later this week, as the ridge of high pressure and heat finally fades and rain chances increase considerably statewide. Here's hoping for some real drought relief (and minimal flash flooding). #cowx
August 10, 2026 at 1:49 PM
*Big* pattern change on the way later this week, as the ridge of high pressure and heat finally fades and rain chances increase considerably statewide. Here's hoping for some real drought relief (and minimal flash flooding). #cowx
Reposted by Colorado Climate Center
Professor and Colorado State Climatologist Russ Schumacher presented at the @climate.colostate.edu's symposium commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Big Thompson Flood held in Estes Park, Colorado.
August 3, 2026 at 11:00 PM
Professor and Colorado State Climatologist Russ Schumacher presented at the @climate.colostate.edu's symposium commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Big Thompson Flood held in Estes Park, Colorado.
Happy 150th birthday, Colorado!
Here's one of our favorite maps: average annual precipitation with color shading inspired by the state flag. It nicely illustrates the many variations in weather and climate across our beautiful state. 🎂🥳
Here's one of our favorite maps: average annual precipitation with color shading inspired by the state flag. It nicely illustrates the many variations in weather and climate across our beautiful state. 🎂🥳
August 1, 2026 at 4:22 PM
Happy 150th birthday, Colorado!
Here's one of our favorite maps: average annual precipitation with color shading inspired by the state flag. It nicely illustrates the many variations in weather and climate across our beautiful state. 🎂🥳
Here's one of our favorite maps: average annual precipitation with color shading inspired by the state flag. It nicely illustrates the many variations in weather and climate across our beautiful state. 🎂🥳
Today is the 50th anniversary of the Big Thompson flood of July 31, 1976: one of the deadliest disasters in Colorado history. An intense rainstorm led to a rapid flood wave down the canyon where many people were commemorating Colorado's centennial. 144 people lost their lives. #cowx 1/
July 31, 2026 at 12:24 PM
Today is the 50th anniversary of the Big Thompson flood of July 31, 1976: one of the deadliest disasters in Colorado history. An intense rainstorm led to a rapid flood wave down the canyon where many people were commemorating Colorado's centennial. 144 people lost their lives. #cowx 1/
Significant flash flooding yesterday in multiple parts of Colorado, including the Gold Mountain and Aspen Acres burn scars, resulting in debris flows, road closures, and evacuations #cowx
UPDATE: Red Mountain Pass — a section of U.S. 550 that travels from Ouray to Silverton — remains closed in both directions this morning.
Red Mountain Pass closed after Colorado flash flooding causes evacuations, mudslides
www.denverpost.com
July 30, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Significant flash flooding yesterday in multiple parts of Colorado, including the Gold Mountain and Aspen Acres burn scars, resulting in debris flows, road closures, and evacuations #cowx
New blog post: have you ever looked at the US Drought Monitor and wondered how the map gets put together? This post describes the methods that underpin drought monitoring, along with some of the challenges of depicting all types of drought on a single map.
US Drought Monitor 101 - Colorado Climate Blog
Every Thursday morning, a colorful map of the United States updates online. Published by the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the U.S. Drought Monitor (...
climate.colostate.edu
July 29, 2026 at 7:44 PM
New blog post: have you ever looked at the US Drought Monitor and wondered how the map gets put together? This post describes the methods that underpin drought monitoring, along with some of the challenges of depicting all types of drought on a single map.
Extreme heat warning for parts of western Colorado through Monday: “Dangerously hot conditions with prolonged afternoon temperatures in the 100 to 106 range this weekend into early next week. Warm night time temperatures will bring little to no relief overnight.” #cowx
GJT continues Extreme Heat Warning for Central Yampa River Basin, Debeque to Silt Corridor, Grand Valley, Lower Yampa River Basin [CO] and Arches/Grand Flat, Eastern Uinta Basin [UT] till Jul 14, 12:00 AM MDT Link
July 11, 2026 at 6:03 PM
Extreme heat warning for parts of western Colorado through Monday: “Dangerously hot conditions with prolonged afternoon temperatures in the 100 to 106 range this weekend into early next week. Warm night time temperatures will bring little to no relief overnight.” #cowx
Reposted by Colorado Climate Center
Join the @climate.colostate.edu on Friday, July 31 at the Estes Valley Community Center. A suite of invited experts will look back on the history, meteorology, hydrology, and warning systems the day of the 1976 Big Thompson Flood.
climate.colostate.edu/blog/index.p...
climate.colostate.edu/blog/index.p...
You're Invited: Remembering the 50th Anniversary of the 1976 Big Thompson Flood - Colorado Climate Blog
Happy July! As we start the new month, our office is busy preparing to commemorate one of Colorado’s most impactful weather events: the 1976 Big Thompson Flood. Nearly 50 years ago, on July 31, 1976, ...
climate.colostate.edu
July 10, 2026 at 6:32 PM
Join the @climate.colostate.edu on Friday, July 31 at the Estes Valley Community Center. A suite of invited experts will look back on the history, meteorology, hydrology, and warning systems the day of the 1976 Big Thompson Flood.
climate.colostate.edu/blog/index.p...
climate.colostate.edu/blog/index.p...
Warm and dry conditions returned to Colorado in June, with several fast-growing fires starting late in the month. June is also the typical peak for severe thunderstorms in Colorado, and this year was no exception.
Read more in our monthly climate summary: climate.colostate.edu/monthly_summ...
Read more in our monthly climate summary: climate.colostate.edu/monthly_summ...
July 9, 2026 at 9:28 PM
Warm and dry conditions returned to Colorado in June, with several fast-growing fires starting late in the month. June is also the typical peak for severe thunderstorms in Colorado, and this year was no exception.
Read more in our monthly climate summary: climate.colostate.edu/monthly_summ...
Read more in our monthly climate summary: climate.colostate.edu/monthly_summ...
Reposted by Colorado Climate Center
Monsoon rains are on the horizon, experts say. Will they arrive soon enough to dampen fire risk?
Monsoon rains are on the horizon, experts say. Will they arrive soon enough to dampen fire risk?
Large fires have ignited in Colorado, and rain this week will offer some relief before a weekend heatwave. Monsoon rains are on the horizon.
coloradosun.com
July 8, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Monsoon rains are on the horizon, experts say. Will they arrive soon enough to dampen fire risk?
Wildfires have grown quickly in Colorado in the last week amid dry and windy conditions. We've revamped the interactive maps of large wildfires on our website, to also include currently active fires (updated daily).
climate.colostate.edu/large_wildfi...
#cowx
climate.colostate.edu/large_wildfi...
#cowx
July 3, 2026 at 1:42 PM
Wildfires have grown quickly in Colorado in the last week amid dry and windy conditions. We've revamped the interactive maps of large wildfires on our website, to also include currently active fires (updated daily).
climate.colostate.edu/large_wildfi...
#cowx
climate.colostate.edu/large_wildfi...
#cowx
new blog post: where do things stand with the drought in Colorado, and where are we headed? #cowx
Where do things stand with the drought, and where are we headed? - Colorado Climate Blog
After the worst year for mountain snowpack since snowpack has been measured, we are now starting to see the extremely low river flows that were expected as a result. Some areas have received beneficia...
climate.colostate.edu
June 18, 2026 at 11:33 PM
new blog post: where do things stand with the drought in Colorado, and where are we headed? #cowx
Reposted by Colorado Climate Center
The @climate.colostate.edu supports Colorado through alarming drought conditions. With three-quarters of the state in severe drought, Colorado’s Drought Task Force is leaning on Professor Russ Schumacher for regular updates on statewide conditions.
engr.source.colostate.edu/colorado-cli...
engr.source.colostate.edu/colorado-cli...
Colorado Climate Center supports state through alarming drought conditions
Colorado’s Drought Task Force is leaning on Russ Schumacher, atmospheric science professor at Colorado State University, for regular updates on statewide conditions.
engr.source.colostate.edu
June 11, 2026 at 7:27 PM
The @climate.colostate.edu supports Colorado through alarming drought conditions. With three-quarters of the state in severe drought, Colorado’s Drought Task Force is leaning on Professor Russ Schumacher for regular updates on statewide conditions.
engr.source.colostate.edu/colorado-cli...
engr.source.colostate.edu/colorado-cli...
It was a pretty normal May across Colorado, which might have felt unusual after all the warmth recently. May concluded the warmest spring on record for Colorado. There was beneficial rainfall (and snowfall!) but drought persisted. More in our May summary: climate.colostate.edu/monthly_summ...
June 10, 2026 at 4:29 PM
It was a pretty normal May across Colorado, which might have felt unusual after all the warmth recently. May concluded the warmest spring on record for Colorado. There was beneficial rainfall (and snowfall!) but drought persisted. More in our May summary: climate.colostate.edu/monthly_summ...
Critical fire weather in western Colorado each day from today (Saturday) through Tuesday, with hot, dry, and windy conditions. Graphic from NWS Grand Junction (www.weather.gov/media/gjt/Ds...) #cowx
![Critical Fire Weather
Today through Tuesday
1. What: Critical fire weather
Low relative humidity and gusty winds are expected
2. When: Today through Tuesday
Each afternoon and early evening
3. Where: Western Colorado and Eastern Utah
Where fuels are critical, which is most locations below 8,000 feet
What's Changed
Graphics have been updated to include the latest forecast. Humidity and wind graphics for Tuesday have been included.
Centered Area: NWS Grand Junction, Co
Fire Weather Conditions
[3] Extremely Critical
Critical
Elevated
Dry Thunderstorm
Coverage
2] Scattered
1 Isolated
OUTDOOR FIRES COULD
QUICKLY SPREAD
National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration
U.S. Department of Commerce
AVOID OUTDOOR
BURNING
REPORT FIRES TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES
For more information go to www.weather.gov/git
National Weather Service
Grand Junction, CO](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:t22wdmsznfarof7spe4k4lwc/bafkreigofltcodjmruzmpnseaz3zwxtccss4qd3keoh2r57fruhdwji4p4)
June 6, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Critical fire weather in western Colorado each day from today (Saturday) through Tuesday, with hot, dry, and windy conditions. Graphic from NWS Grand Junction (www.weather.gov/media/gjt/Ds...) #cowx