Cold Snap Impacts Colorado Over Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend
Colorado faced a severe cold snap during the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, causing significant disruptions across the state. While temperatures didn’t break records, frigid conditions led to traffic snarls, flight delays, and school closures. The coldest readings were predominantly observed in the high country, with some sub-zero temperatures along the Interstate 25 corridor, particularly between Fort Collins and Walsenburg.
In Denver, the National Weather Service reported a forecast for Tuesday involving increasing cloud cover, a high of around 42°F, and wind chills dipping to -10°F due to south-southwest winds. Despite the chilly conditions, clear skies were expected to bring temperatures no lower than 16°F that night.
School districts including Denver Public Schools and Aurora Public Schools announced delayed starts due to severe weather, with Cherry Creek School District also implementing delays for various school levels. The cold also affected air travel, with 469 flights delayed and 27 canceled from Denver International Airport as of Monday afternoon.
The state recorded extreme low temperatures over the long weekend, with some notable figures including -37°F at South Platte River and -33°F at multiple locations. Schools in affected areas remained vigilant, prioritizing student safety.
To combat the harsh weather, Denver activated nine emergency cold weather shelters, providing refuge for over 1,600 individuals on Sunday alone. This unprecedented capacity enables continued support for those in need amidst ongoing freezing conditions.
As communities brace for continued cold through January, local organizations like Advance Pathways in Aurora are stepping up to ensure ongoing shelter access for the homeless, further demonstrating the impact of this extreme winter weather event across Colorado.