What a difference a year makes! This time last year our mountains got 12-18” of snow.
Thursday – 9 Sep 2021 – 11:00am
Overall situation…
At Stevens Field the high yesterday was 85 and the low this morning was 47. Little Siberia, Mark’s house, had a low of 37… brrrr. The peak wind at the airfield was 21mph. There was no precip in the last 24 hours.
We are seeing 40-50 degree temperature swings between highs and lows. Those big temperature swings happen mainly for two reasons: 1. It’s dry. Humidity is in the 20-25% range. 2. We have less sunlight. The equinox is right around the corner.
And yes, it has been quite warm!
7 Sep the previous record high was 87 set in 1945. The airfield hit 89 on Tuesday – an unofficial new record! *
8 Sep the record high was 88 set in 1945 and the high at the airfield was 85 – the old record stands.
* Why is it “unofficial”? The National Weather Service and the National Centers for Environmental Information are the stewards of the data, and they determine records. *
A strong high pressure is currently near the Four Corners and keeping the atmosphere dry and stable. By Saturday it will be over central NM and we’ll see a little more moisture and slightly more unstable flow from the southwest. I see potential for gusty afternoon winds all next week. Smoke from the California fires should improve a bit this weekend as flow turns southwesterly and the atmosphere becomes a little less stable.


My forecast…
Today and tomorrow… There will be lots of sun and warm temps – we’ll flirt with record highs. Smoke from the California fires will stay with us. Highs will be in the lower 80s to around 90 and lows will be upper 30s to upper 40s. Winds will peak around 20mph.

Saturday through Monday… There’s a slight chance for a spotty afternoon shower or thunderstorm, mostly over the mountains. Smoke will decrease a bit. Saturday temps will still be warm with highs in the lower to upper 80s and then we’ll cool a few degrees on Sunday and Monday with highs in the upper 70s to mid-80s. Lows will be in the upper 30s to upper 40s. Afternoon winds will peak around 25mph.

Tuesday through Thursday… Lots of sun, dry, and pleasant temps. Highs will be in the upper 70s to mid-80s and lows will be in the upper 30s to upper 40s. Afternoon winds will peak around 25mph.
Pagosa Springs historical data
Average High | Record High / Year | Average Low | Record Low / Year |
76 | 88 / 1959 | 39 | 19 / 1941 |
My next post will be Saturday morning.
– Shawn