DENVER (CBS4) - This week in Denver weather history includes plenty of wind, snow and cold, but it also features some record warmth and record dry conditions, too.
It's the time of year when strong downslope winds can develop and send temperatures well into the 60s, and sometimes, even the low to mid 70s.
While it has happened several times in Denver weather history, downslope winds made a big impact on temperatures back in 2005 when thermometers climbed into the 60s just about each day between Jan. 18-24.
In fact, the high topped out at 70 degrees on Jan. 20, 2005.
On Jan. 23, 1934, a 52-day dry streak came to an end in Denver. It's the longest period of consecutive days without measurable precipitation on record in the Mile High City.
That dry stretch began on Dec. 3, 1933.
When it comes to different types of precipitation, Denver can see a variety of things fall from the sky. But one of the most rare phenomena is sleet.
While graupel is sometimes called sleet, it's actually different by how it forms while falling through the atmosphere.
Sleet was recorded in Denver for 15 minutes back on Jan. 19, 1916.
Here is some more Denver weather history for this week.
Jan. 18, 1999 - A strong downslope windstorm hit the foothills northwest of Denver taking the roof off of a home in Eldora. Top wind gusts included 100 mph in Central City, 84 mph in Wondervu and 70 mph in Boulder.
Jan. 18-19, 1988 - A blizzard hit eastern Colorado leaving snow drifts behind that measured up to 10 feet in some places. The storm shut down travel on Interstates 25, 70 and 76. Officially only 4 inches was measured in Denver along with winds up to 40 mph.
Jan. 20, 1975 - Strong winds hit the foothills and the Denver metro area with gusts measured as high as 53 mph at Stapleton International Airport.
Jan. 21, 1997 - Strong winds along the Front Range Foothills caused an empty 18-wheeler to overturn on Interstate 70 near the Morrison exit. It landed on top of a car traveling beside it, but thankfully the driver only received minor injuries.
Jan. 21, 2007 - Two storm systems combined to bring heavy snow to the Front Range and the eastern plains. Officially in Denver just over 6 inches of snow fell with wind gusts to 40 mph at times.
Jan. 22, 2003 - A very dry January was in progress with a trace of snow measured in Denver. It was the second trace of snow for the month which ended up being the least snowiest since 1934.
Jan. 23, 1897 - A strong cold front slammed into Colorado dropping the temperature in Denver from a high of 59 degrees to a low of just 11 degrees.
Jan. 23, 1988 - One of the strongest wind storms in several years hit the Front Range Foothills from Colorado Springs to southern Wyoming. The winds hit 105 mph on Table Mesa in Boulder. There were widespread power outages and cars were blown off Interstate 70 near Morrison. Wind gusts hit 92 mph in Broomfield and 52 mph in Denver.
Jan. 24, 1982 - Strong winds hit the Front Range causing widespread damage, especially in Fort Collins. Gusts were clocked as high as 140 mph in the town of Wondervu, 92 mph in Boulder and 61 mph in Denver. A water tank collapsed in Parker and a school was damaged in Central City. Nine airplanes were damaged at the Boulder Airport.
These are just some of the highlights!
The National Weather Service office in Boulder has compiled much more which you can read by clicking here.
Meteorologist Chris Spears writes about stories related to weather and climate in Colorado. Check out his bio or follow him on Twitter @ChrisCBS4.
