Great news — Denver is getting a reprieve from the oppressive heat spell that’s been hanging over us all summer. The cooler temps and rain storms that rolled through over the weekend are expected to stick around all week, and maybe longer. But where’d all this rain come from, anyways?
Hello, Monsoon Season
If you've lived along the Front Range for a while, you’ll know afternoon thunderstorms are pretty typical this time of year. The seasonal shift of winds brings moisture up from the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean, resulting in those warm, muggy summer downpours we’re so familiar with. Denver’s monsoon season is usually July through September.
What About Colorado’s ‘300 Days of Sunshine’?
Ah yes, that old saying. Well, turns out, it’s just a saying. A few years ago, we asked a local meteorologist to separate fact from fiction. The iconic claim was actually just a 19th century marketing ploy cooked up by railroad publicists to boost tourism. The average amount of sunshine here is likely closer to 115 days.
Why is Colorado’s Weather So Unpredictable?
It’s a combination of our mid-latitude positioning on the continent, our proximity to the Rocky Mountains, and our arid climate. It’s the perfect storm, if you will.
How to Have Fun Indoors in Denver
I, for one, will be splashing in the rain this week, but if you’d prefer to stay dry, here are a few fun places to do it.
- The best bars and cafes to accommodate Denver’s weather mood swings
- The best places to drink and play indoors
- Denver's best indoor golf bars
