- A stormy May across Colorado brings snow, rain, and rare tornadoes
- Snowstorms and water concerns in the first week of May
- Severe weather outbreak and record tornadoes
- Rainfall well above seasonal norms
- Clouds and rain keep temperatures cooler than average
- June outlook: continued rain and a shift toward average temps
A stormy May across Colorado brings snow, rain, and rare tornadoes
May 2025 brought a remarkably volatile and wet weather pattern across Colorado, pushing the state’s already unpredictable spring climate to new extremes. Despite the region’s reputation for rapid weather shifts, this past month stood out for its unusually high precipitation, lower-than-average temperatures, and a rare outbreak of damaging tornadoes.
Snowstorms and water concerns in the first week of May
The month kicked off with a powerful snowstorm dumping over four feet of snow on Pikes Peak. While this snowfall was impressive, it melted rapidly, triggering high turbidity levels in local water systems. Manitou Springs faced a water quality crisis, highlighting how snowmelt and temperature spikes can compound into infrastructure challenges.
Severe weather outbreak and record tornadoes
The severe weather story intensified mid-month. Colorado recorded eight tornadoes in May, including four rated EF-2—twice the annual average for that strength level in the state. The most active day was May 18, with three EF-2 twisters, followed by another on May 23. These storms brought considerable structural damage, underlining the increasing volatility of the Front Range and Eastern Plains.
Rainfall well above seasonal norms
Colorado Springs received approximately 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain—over 50% more than the typical 2 inches (51 mm) for May. Meanwhile, Pueblo saw just over 2 inches (51 mm) compared to the average 1.5 inches (38 mm). The southern mountains and Front Range stood out with the highest rainfall surpluses, influenced by several atypical heavy downpours.
Clouds and rain keep temperatures cooler than average
Frequent storm systems and thick cloud cover suppressed daytime highs throughout the month. In Colorado Springs, average highs hovered around 68°F (20°C), while Pueblo saw temperatures just under 75°F (24°C)—roughly 2.5°F (1.4°C) below normal for both cities. This chillier-than-usual May contributed to delayed wildfire risk, a rare reprieve for early summer in the state.
June outlook: continued rain and a shift toward average temps
Looking ahead, June is expected to remain wetter than average, especially in the first half of the month, fueled by abundant atmospheric moisture. According to the Climate Prediction Center, there’s a strong probability for continued above-average precipitation across the state.
In contrast, temperature forecasts are more uncertain. Current models suggest equal chances for near-normal, warmer, or cooler conditions, but early indications point to cooler weather persisting into mid-June, followed by a warmer second half.
Importantly, May’s abundant rainfall has significantly reduced fire danger, a crucial benefit as temperatures trend upward later in the month.
