Why it matters: Rising temperatures during meteorological winter (December through February) threaten Colorado's winter sports industry, strain water supplies, and could reshape the state's cultural identity.
By the numbers: Denver's average winter temperature from December to February has climbed from 33.7 degrees Fahrenheit in 1970 to 34.3 degrees in 2024, according to an analysis from the research group Climate Central.
Overall, Denver's winters have warmed 1.4 degrees since over the last 54 years.
Alamosa County leads the state, with a spike of 3.9 degrees.
Zoom out: States known for their cold weather — like Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, Vermont and Maine — are among those warming fastest, the research shows.