From the driest half of the year to the snowiest ever start of a calendar year, homeowners in the Denver Metro may feel they've seen it all when it comes to weather.
For much of the Front Range and Plains in Colorado, the end of 2021 was the driest on record. But as the New Year got into full swing, the state took a 180 turn – topping the list, in fact, for the most snow ever seen at the start of a calendar year in the metro area.
A “winter whiplash,” according to the Denver Post.
After such a topsy-turvy winter, can residents of Denver expect spring showers or increasing drought in the months to come?
Spring 2022 officially begins on the static meteorological calendar March 1, while the astronomical calendar – or the season based on the position of Earth’s orbit in relation to the sun – blooms on March 20. The season doesn’t wrap up until June 21 on the astronomical calendar, so there’s ample opportunity for a wide range of weather conditions in the Denver area.
Additionally, La Niña is expected to continue through the Northern Hemisphere spring. A transition to ENSO-neutral isn’t favored until at least May, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). La Niña brought drier conditions to Colorado last year and may do the same again. La Niña continues to be the major driver of the predicted climate during March, April and most of May 2022.
Keeping you on your toes
Mother Nature always has a way of keeping us on the ball, and 2022 will likely be no exception. Temperatures in many parts of the country will be slow to warm, experts say. Once warming begins, the Denver area will likely be on an upward trend. The National Weather Service’s long-lead temperature outlook favors above-normal seasonal temperatures from the Southwest, across the Central and Southern Plains to most of the eastern half of the contiguous U.S.
Below-normal precipitation amounts are also likely in Denver, as shown in the outlooks below.
Source: National Weather Service / NOAA
Source: National Weather Service / NOAA
Severe weather ahead
As we say good-bye to the winter months, watch for flooding from snowmelt and ice dams. If water damage is detected in your home, call in a trusted professional to remove the moisture and prevent mold growth.
One question is whether drought will return to Colorado as the weather warms. AccuWeather shows Denver on the cusp between heavy and moderate drought intensity during March, April and May 2022, as the model below shows.
Source: AccuWeather
That said, the month of April is forecast to be a particularly active month for severe weather in many parts of the U.S. The Farmer’s Almanac anticipates April in the Rockies and Plains to be a “meteorological swizzle stick,” stirring up snow, wind, rain, severe thunderstorms and even a few tornadoes.
Preparing for storm damage
Spring weather might be a toss-up, but preparing for it is not. Ensure you are properly prepared before weather-related disaster strikes. The most important thing is to equip yourself so the effects of a sudden storm don’t paralyze you in their aftermath. Keep flashlights and other essential supplies in a secure area and make sure your generator is fueled and operational as your area recovers from storm damage.
Whether you experience flooding from snowmelt, or a sudden spring storm hits this season, ServiceMaster DSI has you covered. With 24/7/365 disaster restoration services, we’re ready to respond in your time of need. Call ServiceMaster DSI anytime at 720-452-2842 for storm damage cleanup, water mitigation and mold remediation services in Aurora and Denver, CO.
