This Week In Denver Weather History: Record Snowpack Melts & All-Time High Temps

DENVER (CBS4) - January can bring a potpourri of weather to Denver and the Front Range and this week in weather history is no exception.

On Jan. 25, 1872, Denver experienced its largest 1-day temperature change on record when the thermometer went from a low of -20°F to a high of 46°F.

That's a difference of 66 degrees in just a matter of hours.

That same week also brought a roller coaster ride in terms of temperature when just a few days later, on Jan. 28, a new record low of -22°F was set.

High winds struck the metro area on Jan. 31, 1963, producing widespread gusts of hurricane-force.

Winds hit 101 mph in Littleton and 80 mph in Denver.

Here are some more Denver weather reports from this week in history.

Jan. 25, 1980 - A blizzard struck during the evening rush hour causing massive traffic jams. There were numerous multi-car accidents and air traffic at Stapleton Airport came to a stop for three hours. Officially 4.1 inches of snow was measured in Denver along with winds that gusted up to 58 mph.

Jan. 26 to Feb. 1, 1888 - A long-duration warm spell hit Denver with highs in the 60's and 70s. Denver's all-time January high temperature of 76°F was set on the 27th.

Jan. 27-28, 1989 - A heavy snowstorm hit Denver and the Front Range with 9 to 15 inches across the city. A thunderstorm was observed at Stapleton Airport during the early morning hours of the 28th. It was the first January thunderstorm observed in Denver since 1932. Thunder was also reported in Arvada, Wheat Ridge and Boulder on the evening of the 27th.

Jan. 29, 1914 - The last day of 60 consecutive days with snow cover measuring 1 inch or more in Denver was observed. This third longest period of snow cover began with the historic blizzard of Dec. 1-5, 1913.

Jan. 29-31, 1883 - A major winter storm brought 19.3 inches of snow to Denver which melted down to 2.23 inches of water.

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.

Featured Local Savings

More from CBS News

Frost and freeze for parts of the Denver metro area

Accumulating snow, damaging winds across Colorado

I-25 reopens north of Denver after strong winds knock down signpost

Elevation study means "Mile High" marker, 14ers' elevations to change