x
Breaking News
More () »

2021 featured – by far – the hottest final 6 months of a year on record in Colorado

The final six months of last year were the hottest on record in Colorado. And it wasn't even close.

COLORADO, USA — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released final 2021 temperature figures on Monday, and Colorado set at least one notable temperature record. 

Final temperatures statistics are in for 2021, and they paint an historically hot picture for Colorado. The final six months of 2021 were, by far, the hottest final six months of a year on record in Colorado.

From July 1 through Dec. 31, Colorado's average statewide temperature was more than four degrees above average.

Credit: Temperature chart for the final six months of a year in Colorado.

In Denver, the final six months of 2021 were by far the city's driest on record.

If you combine the record heat with the record drought, conditions were ripe for the fast spread of the Marshall Fire. The fire will likely go down as the costliest wildfire in Colorado history.

Overall, 2021 finished as Colorado's 4th-hottest year on record, with an average statewide temperature of 47.5 degrees. That's 2.9 degrees over the long-term average. Seven of Colorado's 10 hottest years on record have taken place in the last 10 years. 

Credit: Average annual Colorado temperatures since the 1800s.

Nationwide, 2021 was the U.S.'s 4th-hottest year on record, according to NOAA. Each of the country's six hottest years on record have taken place since 2012.

RELATED: Video shows Marshall Fire flames ‘within feet’ of Louisville hospital

RELATED: Mild temperatures return for the start of the work-week

SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Science & Weather 

MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS 

Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER for top stories from 9NEWS curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.   

DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP 
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n  

HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE 

ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA. 

For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9NEWS" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out