Colorado sets record-breaking heat for 2026 water year

Colorado is experiencing a record-breaking water year for heat. According to State Climatologist Russ Schumacher, the 2026 water year, which began on October 1, 2025, has set new temperature records for December, February, March, August, winter, spring, and summer statewide.

Through the end of August, statewide temperatures were 5.6 degrees warmer than the late 20th-century average. This surpasses the previous record set during the 1934 water year. By August 31, average temperatures were 2 degrees higher than the same period in 1934. September is also projected to be the warmest on record, with temperatures averaging 4 to 6 degrees above normal.

On the Western Slope, most heat records have been matched, with December and February ranking as the second and third warmest on record, respectively. Schumacher noted that the year is expected to be the warmest water year by a significant margin.