Colorado’s monsoon season is showing inconsistent patterns this summer, with meteorologists indicating that while some areas, particularly in the east, are experiencing more storm activity, western Colorado remains significantly dry. This represents a concerning situation for farmers and ranchers who rely on summer rainfall, especially given the ongoing drought conditions that are becoming more pronounced in parts of the western region.
Zach Hiris, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, mentioned that while the eastern parts of Colorado have seen normal rainfall recently, western areas are still suffering from a lack of moisture. He noted, “At this point it looks like we’ll still have a fairly active monsoon, but if we’re hoping for it to wipe out the drought across western Colorado, I think that’s gonna be difficult.” This sentiment is reflected in the statistics; Denver International Airport recorded just 0.62 inches of rain in July, a significant deviation from the average.
The North American Monsoon typically spans from June to September, influenced by moisture flowing from the Gulf of California. While areas in eastern Colorado are experiencing storms, western Colorado has seen only 30% to 50% of normal rainfall levels in recent weeks, which could hinder the recovery from last winter’s low snowpack.
The drier conditions have prompted concerns about wildfires, with five major incidents currently active in the state. Four of these fires were attributed to lightning strikes, underscoring the danger posed by thunderstorms that bring more lightning than precipitation.
In response to ongoing drought conditions, which have recently worsened in the northwestern part of Colorado, climate experts are hopeful that an uptick in storm activity could salvage the remaining summer months. According to meteorologist Dennis Phillips, “I see some hope here in the next week. If we keep getting those storms, maybe we can salvage this monsoon season.” Indeed, as eastern Colorado enjoys gradually improving conditions, the potential exists for changes that could benefit the entire state.
Despite the challenges faced in western Colorado, the meteorological community remains optimistic about the remaining weeks of summer, emphasizing the importance of continued monitoring and engagement with farmers and ranchers to assess water availability and crop health.