Unseasonably Warm Weather Hits Colorado, Potential 80-Degree Day in February

Several areas across the state could reach record-breaking temperatures on Monday.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

This winter has been the warmest start to the year on record in Colorado, with the state seeing the lowest snowpack levels ever. The warm weather is continuing into February, with Denver nearing a daily record-breaking temperature of 73 degrees last set in 1954. While Denver is expected to reach 70 degrees, other areas across Colorado could see temperatures as high as 80 degrees on Monday, including Springfield, Lamar, La Junta, and Pueblo.

Why it matters

The unseasonably warm weather in Colorado is highly unusual for February and is being driven by the La Niña weather pattern. This warm spell comes after the state experienced its warmest start to the year on record, which has led to historically low snowpack levels. The potential for 80-degree temperatures in February raises concerns about the long-term impacts of climate change on Colorado's weather patterns and the state's water resources.

The details

According to the Pinpoint Weather team, while Denver is expected to stay below the record high of 73 degrees and only reach 70 degrees on Monday, several other areas across Colorado could see temperatures as high as 80 degrees. These include Springfield (78 degrees), Lamar (77 degrees), La Junta (75 degrees), and Pueblo (75 degrees). The warm weather is being driven by the La Niña weather pattern, which has caused an unusually warm winter in Colorado. Similar high temperatures were seen in the 1990s when there was also a La Niña event.

  • On February 9, 2026, Denver is nearing a daily record-breaking temperature of 73 degrees last set in 1954.
  • This winter has been the warmest start to the year on record in Colorado.

The players

Greg Perez

A meteorologist with FOX31 who provided analysis on the unusually warm weather in Colorado.

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What they’re saying

“These temperatures are unusual, but not completely unheard of. Perez said La Niña is causing a warm winter, and similar high temperatures were seen in the '90s when there was a La Niña.”

— Greg Perez, Meteorologist (FOX31)

What’s next

The Pinpoint Weather team is seeing signs of a weather pattern shift, which includes some snow in the forecast. Temperatures are expected to drop later this week, especially in the mountains, where several inches of snow are expected.

The takeaway

The unseasonably warm weather in Colorado is a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change on the state's weather patterns. While the potential for 80-degree temperatures in February may seem like a novelty, it raises serious concerns about the long-term sustainability of Colorado's water resources and the need for proactive measures to address the effects of a changing climate.