Heavy rain sets new benchmark at Denver International Airport
Denver, Colorado, experienced a historic rainfall event on Sunday, May 26, marking the wettest May 26 in over seven decades. According to the National Weather Service in Boulder, a total of 1.39 inches (35.3 mm) of rain was recorded at Denver International Airport (DIA), surpassing the previous daily record of 1.31 inches (33.3 mm) set back in 1950.
The rainfall not only broke a 75-year-old record, but it also stood out as a massive deviation from the average precipitation for the day, which typically amounts to just 0.07 inches (1.8 mm). This makes Sunday’s rainfall nearly 20 times higher than normal.
A wet Memorial Day weekend across eastern Colorado
The Memorial Day weekend across eastern Colorado has been exceptionally damp, characterized by rain, hail, and even tornado activity on the northeast Plains Friday. Though Denver avoided the most severe conditions, reports of hail surfaced in nearby locations such as Grant, Shawnee, and Centennial, indicating widespread storm effects along U.S. 285 and beyond.
Nearby cities were also drenched, with Lone Tree receiving 1.58 inches (40.1 mm) of rainfall and Aurora getting an even more substantial 2.10 inches (53.3 mm), according to measurements by the National Weather Service.
More showers and storms forecast for the week ahead
According to Pinpoint Weather Meteorologist Travis Michels, Monday afternoon in Denver could bring additional showers and thunderstorms, likely tapering off by sunset. However, the outlook remains unsettled, with daily rain chances extending through Friday. This signals a continued pattern of wet and stormy conditions for the Denver metro area and surrounding communities.
Residents and commuters across the Front Range should stay informed through weather alerts, interactive radar maps, and local forecasts, as rainy conditions and potential storm developments are expected to persist throughout the week.
