Colorado Sees Sudden 20-Degree Temperature Crash in Under 30 Minutes as Cold Front Brings 54 MPH Wind Gusts
COLORADO — A powerful cold front tore through parts of northern Colorado Wednesday evening, triggering an extreme and rapid temperature drop along with damaging northeast wind gusts and reported power outages in several communities.
According to local observations shared during the event, temperatures in West Greeley plunged from 52°F at 7:32 p.m. to 32°F by 8:00 p.m., marking a 20-degree drop in just 28 minutes.
Rapid Temperature Collapse Confirmed
The data displayed shows the sharp temperature decline occurred in a very short window:
- 7:32 p.m.: 52°F
- 8:00 p.m.: 32°F
- Total drop: 20 degrees in 28 minutes
Such rapid cooling is a classic signature of a strong Arctic or continental cold front, where dense cold air undercuts warmer air at the surface.
Powerful Winds Added to the Impact
The temperature crash was accompanied by northeast wind gusts reaching 54 miles per hour, significantly increasing the intensity of the frontal passage and driving wind chills sharply lower within minutes.
Strong gusts of this magnitude can cause:
- Sudden wind chill exposure
- Reduced visibility from blowing debris
- Stress on power lines and infrastructure
Power Outages Reported Nearby
Residents in Severance, a nearby northern Colorado community, also reported power outages during the frontal passage, consistent with the combination of strong winds and abrupt temperature change. No further details on the scale or duration of the outages were provided in the available information.
Why This Event Stands Out
A 20-degree drop in under half an hour is considered meteorologically significant, even in winter-prone regions. Events like this can catch residents off guard, especially when temperatures are relatively mild immediately before the front arrives.
These rapid changes increase risks for:
- Travel safety
- Pets and livestock
- Exposed pipes and outdoor plumbing
- Anyone outdoors without cold-weather gear
Bottom Line
A violent cold front slammed into northern Colorado, causing temperatures to plunge 20 degrees in just 28 minutes, with wind gusts up to 54 mph and power outages reported in Severance. The event highlights how quickly winter conditions can intensify when strong Arctic air surges south.
NapervilleLocal.com will continue tracking major weather events across the United States and provide updates as additional verified information becomes available.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.