Extreme Cold/Wind Chill — Grand Valley, Colorado

2025-01-20 · Grand Valley, Colorado

Event narrative

The KGJT ASOS in Grand Junction recorded at 13 hour period where temperatures were at or below 25F and wind chills were less than 15F. In addition, the majority of this period saw wind speeds at or above 10 mph, therefore meeting all criteria. Temperatures ranged from 16F to 25F, and wind speeds ranged from 6 mph to 21 mph. The coldest wind chill value recorded was 1F. No reports of injuries, damages, or fatalities were received.

Wider weather episode

A cold front ushered in an arctic airmass on the evening of January 17th, as well as bringing widespread wind and snow to eastern Utah and western Colorado. This arctic airmass was reinforced over the course of the next week by several passing waves with their own associated cold fronts. Temperatures during this period were 15-20 degrees below normal, and in some places close to 30 degrees below normal. With temperatures this cold, any amount of wind would produce a dangerously cold wind chill. The coldest period of this event was January 20th to the 22nd, with temperatures finally beginning to moderate after the 23rd.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1235262. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.