It's hard to believe, really, that September on average sees 1.0" of snow in Denver. This, after Denver International Airport recorded yet another high of 90° (😱) on Monday, and we're now closing in on 16 years since the last time the city saw any measurable snowfall in the month.

Nonetheless, it is indeed getting to be that time of year again. Snow is certainly not unheard of in September, with the city's earliest snowfall on record occurring on September 3rd, 1961. The greatest 24 hour snowfall total for the month is 16.5", so while most snow events are minimal this time of year, not all of them are.

Last year we were a bit slow in getting the First Snowfall Prediction Contest out the door. This year, we feel a bit ahead of the game... but things can change in a hurry, and, let's face it, some of you are ready for those first flakes to fly – especially with the recent heat.

So, we'll celebrate the first day of autumn by opening the contest, and will let it run through October 6th. While it may seem tempting to wait until there's snow in the forecast, or last minute if not... remember that in the event of a tie, prize goes to the contestant that guessed it right first! Denver's average first snowfall is October 19th (less than four weeks away!) although it's been three years since we've seen snow before November – are we due?

Go to contest: http://www.weather5280.com/contests/first-snowfall-prediction-denver

This year's grand prize will be two single-day lift tickets to Loveland Ski Area, which the snow-hounds out there know is once again in a race to open first. Second and third place finishers will each receive a Weather5280 T-shirt.

Good luck!