Weather
Winter Weather Forecast For Boulder: See Daily Predictions
AccuWeather says the return of a La Niña cycle could affect how much snow Boulder receives and the severity of the polar vortex.
BOULDER, CO — With the official start of the 2021-22 winter a little more than two months away, some Boulderites may be eager for the colder weather to arrive to plan some fun winter activities.
Specific, long-term weather predictions can help with planning outdoor activities best suited for the cooler temps. To help you plan ahead, the private weather company AccuWeather has released its 2021 winter weather forecast.
Daily forecasts for Boulder are listed through the end of December. After that, AccuWeather lists the historical average temperature for the rest of the winter.
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Boulder's winter is expected to be colder than usual, according to the weather report. Clear skies and temperatures in the 70s are expected until mid-October, then temperatures are expected to drop into the early 60s for the rest of the month. Some precipitation is expected to hit mid-October and last through Halloween.
A bit of light snowfall and rain is expected every few days throughout November, with highs in the early 50s and late 40s, according to AccuWeather.
Find out what's happening in Boulderfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Then December will continue that weather pattern with the same temperatures until mid-month, when highs in the late 30s and snow is expected to hit for a white holiday season.
AccuWeather predicts an eventful winter similar to the 2020-21 season, which brought record-breaking snowfall and blackouts to some parts of Colorado and other states.
Meteorologists expect the return of La Niña, a weather phenomenon that occurs when the water near the equator of the Pacific Ocean is cooler than average. It will shape part of the overall weather patterns this winter, weather experts said.
The upcoming La Niña will be weaker than the one experienced last winter, in turn, opening up the door for other elements to factor into the winter forecast — especially during the second half of the season.
This year, the polar vortex may also be weaker, according to AccuWeather.
This could result in colder air from the Arctic to slide southward into the U.S. before the official start of meteorological winter, which is on Dec. 1. The first official astronomical day of winter arrives on Tuesday, Dec. 21.
Planning to travel outside Colorado? Winter could pound the Northeast with a vengeance starting in mid-December before potentially intensifying in January, which could include a heightened risk for nor'easters and, yes, snowstorms at the tail end of the season.
Meanwhile, the winter weather will take its time arriving in the Southeast, with only mild temps in some place throughout December. Southerners, however, could be in store for a big dip in the temperature with the arrival of 2022, AccuWeather reports. Spells of rain and thunderstorms are expected so keep the rain gear handy.
In the Pacific Northwest, a wet winter is anticipated with plenty of snow in the mountains, AccuWeather reports. The early arrival of the winter storms will also spell an end to the active wildfire season for the region as rain and snow help to douse any flames.
In the Southwest, meteorologists predict that the lack of early-season precipitation will allow the ongoing wildfire season to extend all the way into December, an unusually late end to the season. As we move to January, the prospects for rain will increase for California - good news for areas of the state where wildfires have raged.
To see how the weather is shaping up for the remainder of the country, click here.
Are you ready for the upcoming winter season? Tell us your plans in the comments section below.
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