Frost/Freeze in Grand Valley, Colorado

The minimum temperature recorded at the KGJT ASOS at the Grand Junction Regional Airport was 25F, while the minimum temperature recorded at any observation site was 10F. 19 of the 20 surface observation stations in the zone recorded temperatures at or below 32F for at least 3 hours, with the average being 10 hours, the maximum being 18 hours, and the minimum being 2 hours. Additionally, this event qualified as a hard freeze, as the sensors recorded an average of 6.5 hours at or below 28F, with a maximum of 18 hours and a minimum of 0. No reports of crop damages or losses were received with this event, likely owing to the early season nature of it.

In the wake of a strong spring storm that pushed a potent cold front through the area, clear skies and calm winds allowed temperatures to drop below freezing across much of the Grand Valley. With several periods of much above normal temperatures punctuated by near-normal temperatures, the growing season in the area was well underway. Therefore a widespread freeze at this time of the year could have a detrimental effect on fruit crops and other agriculture in the area.