This was the snowiest and coldest October we have experienced in Nederland, Colorado, during the 10 years that we have lived here. Our snowfall for the month was 27.1 inches, and our average temperature was 35.0 F. Our 10 year average snowfall for October is 11.9 inches while our average temperature is 42.2 F. This gives us an October snowfall of 15.2 inches above normal and a monthly average temperature which was 7.2 F below normal. Here is how this October’s snowfall compares to the others in my weather records:
| October Snowfall | Year |
|---|---|
| 27.1 | 2019 |
| 23.7 | 2018 |
| 21.1 | 2017 |
| 17.8 | 2011 |
| 11.4 | 2013 |
| 10.3 | 2012 |
| 3.2 | 2010 |
| 3.1 | 2016 |
| 1.4 | 2015 |
| 0.1 | 2014 |
And here is how our October average monthly temperature compares to previous Octobers:
| October Average Temp (F) | Year |
|---|---|
| 34.95806 | 2019 |
| 37.58065 | 2018 |
| 38.43871 | 2017 |
| 39.59677 | 2013 |
| 41.32258 | 2012 |
| 44.37097 | 2011 |
| 45.63667 | 2015 |
| 45.82258 | 2010 |
| 47.26129 | 2014 |
| 47.34839 | 2016 |
What is interesting is that the the past three Octobers – 2017, 2018, and 2019 – rank in the top three coldest and snowiest Octobers.
After another blown snowfall forecast on Tuesday and Wednesday (we had 4.1 inches but the forecast was for 10-18 inches), we will have a long break from snow and extreme cold. For the next week at least we will have sunny, dry weather with slightly below normal temperatures. Expect highs most days to be in the low 40s F with lows in the low 20s F. Average highs for this time of year are in the upper 40s F with lows around 32 F.
Enjoy the dry but cool weather!