Boulder’s Weather in December: A Historical Perspective

The winter chill has been in the air for a few weeks now, and December is officially here. For many of us, December is a special time of the year. But what about the weather? How has the December weather in Boulder, Colorado changed over the years? In this blog article, we’ll be tracing the transformation of December weather in Boulder, Colorado over the years. We’ll explore how temperatures have changed, what types of precipitation have been seen, and more. So, bundle up and let’s take a look at how December weather in Boulder, Colorado has changed over the years.

The Impact of Climate Change on Boulder’s December Weather

The effects of climate change on Boulder’s December weather has been profound. Average temperatures in December have increased by around 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit since the mid-1990s. This trend is expected to continue and could lead to a rise of up to 6 degrees by the end of the century. Additionally, December precipitation has increased significantly over the past three decades, with an average increase of around 10%. This has caused more snowfall in the winter months and more rain in the spring.

The warmer temperatures and increased precipitation have had a noticeable impact on the local environment. The snowpack in the Front Range has been decreasing since the late 1990s, leading to reduced water availability in the region. This has had a major impact on the local agricultural industry and has caused water shortages in some areas. Additionally, the warmer temperatures have caused a decrease in the number of cold winter days, leading to a decrease in the number of winter recreation activities.

Historical December Weather Patterns in Boulder, Colorado

The weather in Boulder, Colorado in December has been generally mild and dry since the late 19th century. According to records from the National Weather Service, the average high temperature in December is around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average low temperature is around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The average precipitation for the month is around 0.5 inches. In the past, temperatures in December have been known to dip as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

In the early 20th century, Boulder experienced periods of heavy snowfall in December, with the most snowfall occurring in the winter of 1917-1918 when almost 32 inches of snow was recorded. However, since the 1970s, December snowfall has decreased significantly, with the average December snowfall now less than half of what it was in the early 20th century. This decrease in December snowfall is likely due to climate change, as the average temperature in Boulder has risen by almost 2 degrees Fahrenheit since the 1970s.

The Surprising Impact of Climate Change on December in Boulder

The data collected in this study of December weather in Boulder, Colorado over the past 60 years shows that the average temperature has been rising steadily, and that the average amount of precipitation has been decreasing. While the data does not definitively explain why these changes have occurred, it does suggest that climate change may be a contributing factor. As such, it is important to continue to monitor changes in weather patterns and to take steps to reduce our environmental impact in order to help preserve the environment.