Fall -- the season where we transition from our hot summer months to the cold winter months at the end of the year. Pools close, school starts, elks bugle, the leaves change across the state, and daylight saving time comes to an end (we get an extra hour of sleep!).
On your calendar, the official start to fall is the Autumnal Equinox on Monday, Sept. 23. Also known as Astronomical fall, the sun's most direct rays will cross over the equator at 1:50 a.m. this year as the northern hemisphere tilts away from the sun. Our sun angle gets lower, which means less heat, and we gradually see daytime high temperatures fall.
Meteorologists mark fall from Sept. 1 through Nov. 30. The reason for this is consistency. Meteorological seasons are all about the same length, 90 days. Unlike Astronomical Fall, they consistently begin and end on the same date every year. That consistency makes it easier to calculate seasonal statistics. These numbers are very useful for agriculture, commerce and even keeping track of the earth's health.
During meteorological fall, the average high in Denver drops from 84 degrees on Sept. 1 to 46 degrees on Nov. 30. That's a fairly large average temperature drop in 90 days. During that time, temperatures can vary by 20 degrees or so, from one day to the next. The polar jetstream begins to dip a little farther south, driving cold fronts across the region. Not only will this drive temperatures down, but it also allows for bigger weather systems to move through. We could see long periods of dry weather, thunderstorms, heavy rain, wind or even snow.
To help prepare us for the extremes, the National Weather Service has made a fall safety guide! This not only outlines the severe weather we could see in Colorado but across the country as well. For example, unless you are on vacation, Coloradans won't be as concerned about preparing for Tsunami's or hurricanes. However, droughts, wildfires, flash floods, damaging winds, and even snowstorms are all possible.
If we are under drought conditions, do what you can to use less water. This is as easy as installing low flow showerheads and waiting for the washing machine to be full to do that load of laundry.
Before you head out to enjoy Colorado's outdoors, check out the weather forecast for the day. If you get caught in a wind storm, slow down. Keep extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Find shelter if dust significantly lowers visibility and wait the storm out.
Flash floods can happen in an instant. Remember, never drive or walk into floodwaters. If told to evacuate, do so immediately. If you are hiking, get to higher ground.
Now is also a good time to prepare a winter survival kit for your vehicle. Colorado Department of Transportation suggests you have these items in case of an emergency:
- Flares/reflectors to signal for help and warn other motorists
- Sturdy scraper/snow brush/snow shovel to clear snow
- Battery or crank-powered radio to listen to emergency broadcasts
- Flashlight with extra batteries or crank-powered flashlight
- Survival blanket or sleeping bag
- Chemical hand warmers
- Extra set of clothes, including coat, hat, mittens, boots, etc.
- Gallon jug of water and non-perishable food
- First Aid Kit and essential medications
- Tire chains and tow strap
- Non-clumping kitty litter/sand for traction
- Jumper cables
- Extra cloth or paper towels for cleanup if necessary
- Deck of cards or board game for entertainment
We love to enjoy all of the beautiful outdoor activities that Colorado has to offer. Just make sure you have a plan to keep you and your family safe as you venture out.
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