Unexpected Humidity Surge in Denver Surpasses Levels in Major U.S. Cities

Unusually High Humidity Blankets Metro Denver

Denver residents experienced a notable surge in humidity on Tuesday morning, a phenomenon uncommon for the Mile High City. Senior Meteorologist Chris Bianchi from 9News reported a dew point of 66 degrees at around 6:30 a.m., which surpasses the humidity levels recorded in traditionally more humid cities like Dallas, Nashville, Chicago, and Oklahoma City.

Cause of the Humidity Spike

Kenley Bonner, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boulder, explained the unusual humidity in Denver attributes directly to cooler air settling in behind a cold front. “Following this cold front, we see an increase in relative humidity as cooler temperatures settle in, while regions like Oklahoma still experience significantly warmer temperatures,” Bonner noted.

As of mid-morning, temperatures in cities such as Dallas, Nashville, Chicago, and Oklahoma City were soaring into the 90s, with both Dallas and Oklahoma City under a heat advisory effective from noon to 7:00 p.m. Nashville is also grappling with extreme heat warnings lasting until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

Understanding Dew Points

The National Weather Service indicates that the dew point—a measure of moisture in the air—can range considerably between different regions. On Tuesday, dew points in the affected cities varied from the high 60s to the mid-70s. Bonner highlighted that typically, Denver’s dew points for this time of year average in the 40s and 50s. “In fact, on particularly dry days, it can dip even lower,” he said.

Bonner further elaborated on the impacts of humidity on local weather patterns, stating, “We’re known for high-based convection. This phenomenon leads to gusty outflows, largely driven by the significant disparity between dew points and temperatures.” The meteorologist added that during especially warm days, lower dew points combined with high temperatures contribute to what are known as gusty outflows from passing virga showers.

The Role of Precipitation

In terms of moisture management, Bonner underscored that precipitation plays a vital role in regulating humidity levels. “Multiple warm days without precipitation can cause humidity to build up, but rain helps to ‘wring out’ the moisture, lowering the relative humidity. Following that, warm temperatures can heat things up again, leading to a cycle of fluctuating humidity,” he remarked.

Forecast Ahead for the Front Range

The high humidity that enveloped Denver is anticipated to dissipate in the coming days. The National Weather Service’s forecast for Denver predicts an increasing likelihood of showers and thunderstorms continuing through Saturday night.

Humidity Levels Across Major Cities