October 19th marked the average first measurable snowfall date for Denver, but the city is yet to see a lick of snow this fall. That isn’t much of a surprise given how warm it’s been, and according to meteorologist Chris Bianchi, the city will probably have to wait until November to see any actual accumulating snow.
Denver Snowfall Could Arrive in Early November
In Bianchi’s October 19th forecast, he explained that Denver has little chance of seeing snow over the next week or so. Current odds of measurable snowfall within the next seven to 10 days sit at 10% or lower.
However longer-range climate modeling is beginning to offer some hints about when the weather pattern could shift. Bianchi pointed to early to mid-November as a potential window for colder conditions, with additional troughs possibly moving into the region around Halloween and during the first week of November.
Based on recent years and the developing forecast signals, Bianchi believes Denver’s first measurable snowfall could arrive during the first or second week of November. Of course this is an educated guess rather than a firm prediction, with weather forecasting relies on probabilities.
Colorado Could See a Slow Start to Winter
The delayed arrival of snow may also reflect a broader pattern across Colorado. Bianchi previously discussed the possibility of a slower start to the winter season in his seasonal preview, pointing to an intrusion of warmer air moving north from the south. That pattern could mean the Denver area and much of the Front Range experience fewer significant winter weather events during the early part of the season.
However a quiet start does not necessarily mean a disappointing winter overall. The better opportunities for substantial snowfall across the region may come later in the season, particularly during February, March and April.
Snowmaking is going strong in the mountains, and some Colorado ski resorts have already seen some measurable snowfall, but Denver is still waiting for its first winter storm.