November began with warm temperatures in Denver — with a high of 72 — but winter is coming, especially in the mountains.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the far western part of the state, with 4 to 8 inches of snow possible above 9,500 feet in the Flat Tops, San Juan and West Elk mountains, as well as over Grand Mesa. The snow levels drop to about 7,500 feet in that area on Sunday night. A bit closer to home, the Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for parts of central, east central and south central Colorado.
The forecast does not currently call for snow accumulation in Denver, but that could change. There is definitely a chance for a rain-snow mix in Denver on Monday morning, and it is possible the city will get its first official snow of the season.
The average date for the first snow in Denver is Oct. 19.
The latest first snow in Denver was Nov. 21, 1934. The biggest November storm came Nov. 2-4, 1946, when more than 30 inches of snow fell. That was the third-biggest snowfall in the city’s history, according to the Weather Service.
The official definition of “measurable snowfall” is 1/10th of an inch, and to be official in Denver it needs to be recorded at Denver International Airport.
