On August, 7 Colorado experienced a severe dry spell with abnormally dry temperatures. The drought is said to be the cause of the fires that followed.
Global Warming is Changing Colorado
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Colorado is known for being wetter from June through August, but this year, it again proves that global warming is becoming more intense. Colorado has since gone from “the wettest” to “the driest” in the span of a few months.
Drought Forecast
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According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Colorado experienced “abnormally dry (D0) temperatures earlier in August.” Sections on the drought monitor also showed moderate (D1), severe (D2), and extreme drought (D3).
Damage & Danger
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Depending on drought severity, it can cause various concerns. The risks of damage to crops and harm to humans are very real.
Dry Temperatures Leading to Early & Frequent Irrigation
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The Drought Monitor showed that D0 irrigation would need to start at an earlier rate than usual to combat the dryness. Hay levels will also decrease during moderately dry temperatures.
Wildfire & More
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As temperatures rise, it leads to stagnant growth in crops and the potential for wildfires. As D2 increases, the chances of wildfires and water stores decrease. At the same time, the risk of larger fires spreading faster is even higher.
“Driest Period [Weather]”
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In the North of Colorado, it showcased some of the “driest” weather this year “since 1893,” Colorado Sun reported.
Weather Reports From Experts
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According to Colorado Sun, the meteorologist for the National Weather Service based in Boulder, David Barjenbruch, shared his findings.
Weather Effecting Crops
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According to the Environmental Protection Agency, temperatures have risen over the years with “less water flowing into the Colorado River.”
Higher Temperatures Landscapes
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The high temperatures have led to the region experiencing dying trees, dry crops, and soil. As the years go by and global warming increases, the weather becomes more “volatile” and even unpredictable.
Fire on Alexander
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At the end of July this year, Alexander Mountain experienced a fire that moved along Loveland County, according to reports.
Low Humidity Could Cause Fire
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Barjenbruch said that the low humidity might have contributed to the Alexander Mountain fire. Humidity levels were said to reach around 11%.
The Weather Changed Quickly
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The National Weather Service meteorologist also noted that even though by April this year, there were no signs of drought-like weather, by July, everything had already been dried out and “brown.”
Dry Forestry Accelerating Fire
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Dry crops and forests without moisture are an accelerant for fires. The dry nature of the region, as it loses more moisture through the drought, can cause more wildfires to ravage throughout.
Stone Canyon Fire
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Just like the Alexander Mountain fire, Stone Canyon also experienced a wildfire which was most likely influenced by the humidity and dry weather. The fire was contained, but it had managed to destroy around 1,600 acres of land.
Like a Change in Day & Night
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Barjenbruch also noted that Colorado had gone from being known as the “ second wettest season for the month of January” to the “driest” and hottest during the months of “April and continuing to August.”
Drought & Water Supply
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According to the Delores Water Conservancy District in Colorado, the McPhee Reservoir did well in sustaining farmers this time, but there remains a worry. “How much water can be saved…” for the next summer? How long will farmers be able to rely on the reservoir should the weather continue to become drier?
Rain Helps “Contain Fire”
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However, there are still indications that the weather will bring cooler temperatures, as have already been seen in Jefferson County. Reports say the “scattered showers” in the region helped “contain” some of the fires from spreading.
Flash Flood Risks
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Meteorologists also advise that as the weather cools and brings rain, it can also bring “flash floods” in certain areas. It’s advised that travelers and residents living in drought and flood-prone regions be constantly alert for vital changes in weather.
Keep an Ear Out for Weather Local Reports
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The weather is consistently monitored for safety. There may also be road closures, according to Barjenbruch, so local weather news coverage shouldn’t be ignored.
Weather Patterns Continue to Changing
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Meanwhile, climatologists like Peter Goble are also keeping track of potential La Nina weather patterns that are on the rise. La Ninas can bring with it the risk of cyclonic weather.
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