PUB00083 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

of weak low pressure forms over the desert southwest and Colorado plateau areas, low-level subtropical moisture usually drifts northward over Mexico. This wind circulation is sometimes called the "Southwest Monsoon" and often brings moist air northward into southern and western Colorado during July, August and early September. Late summer into fall is the wettest period for much of the southwest Colorado. In some years the moist air extends northward and eastward to encompass the entire state. Localized afternoon and evening thunderstorms develop nearly every day in the mountains if the air is moist enough. Humid air can also periodically drift into eastern Colorado from the central and southern plains providing fuel for summer thunderstorms from the Front Range eastward. As the summer comes to an end, the westerly winds aloft increase again, the low-level moisture from the south retreats and drier air often dominates Colorado. However, occasional storms, with significant moisture reach Colorado and can bring very heavy and widespread rains and early snows. As fall progresses, the synoptic storms of the winter season return as temperatures cool. The resulting interplay between the Rocky Mountain topography, Colorado's high elevations, and these seasonally-varying moisture sources and storm tracks creates a remarkably diverse climate unique for North America in which different portions of Colorado see markedly different seasonal precipitation patterns than others. For Colorado's highest mountains, mid winter is typically the wettest time of year while early summer is the driest. For Colorado's Front Range, spring is typically the wettest time of year, while mid winter is the driest. Mid summer is the wettest time on the plains with winter the driest time of year. Summer, and particularly July and August, contributes the greatest amounts 8