Issue Date: Sunday, August 8th, 2021
Issue Time: 9:25 AM MDT
Summary:
There was very little in terms of precipitation in Colorado yesterday, though the Eastern Plains and Palmer Ridge did see afternoon thunderstorm development. A series of severe thunderstorm warnings were issued along the Palmer Ridge extending into Southeast Plains after Doppler Radar indicated high winds and large hail. Between 1.00-1.25 inch hail was reported in Lincoln and Cheyenne counties, though most of the severe damaging weather occurred across the border into Kansas. Hardly any actual rain fell with many of these storms, and the highest precipitation totals measured at gauges in the area was between Trace-0.08 inches – though these counties are very rural and it is possible higher storm totals were missed.
The greater impacting weather story yesterday was smoke from wildfires in the Western US blanketing nearly all of Colorado. In fact, at certain points in the day the air quality in Denver was the worst in the entire world! While the Urban Corridor, especially Denver, has historically been known for its poor air quality – no where in the state escaped smoke. Meteorologist Chris Bianchi shared the following pictures yesterday of Telluride, highlighting the difference in visibility between Friday and Saturday.
Telluride, CO Friday vs. Saturday.
📸: Brittany Wright#9wx #COwx pic.twitter.com/IehXKCV2cp
— Chris Bianchi (@BianchiWeather) August 8, 2021
While looking for some silver lining to all the smoke in the air, the weather update for the Morgan Creek fire (currently burning in the Northern Mountains) shared that “widespread smoke from fires in the Pacific Northwest and northern California moved over much of Colorado early Saturday and lingered throughout the day. The smoke helped hold highs in the mid 60s to low 70s. Cooler afternoon temperatures also lead to afternoon humidity higher than recent days. West to northwest winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts around 20 mph developed Saturday afternoon. Moderate humidity recover Saturday night with light, terrain driven winds and clear skies. ”
No flooding was reported on Saturday. For rainfall estimates in your area, including antecedent conditions, check out the State Precipitation Map below.
Click Here For Map Overview
