One of the MANY great things about living in the Centennial State is that it doesn’t get that cold. Sure, we have snow, and some days are colder than others, but with our average 300 days of sunshine per year, the elements are almost always – at the very least – bearable. However, this hasn’t always been the case. 1951 was one of the coldest winters in Colorado history:

It has been nearly 75 years since the Centennial State experienced its coldest consecutive days on record, and trust us, it makes our recent winters seem downright tropical.
Flickr/Michael Levine-Clark
Like most Januarys in Colorado, temperatures were cold yet predictable; however, that all changed on January 31st when temperatures around the state averaged a "balmy" -26 degrees.
Flickr/Corey Leopold
While one day of dangerously cold conditions is plenty, it wasn't enough for this strange weather pattern, which brought temperatures of -41 degrees the next day (February 1st).
Flickr/Cathy McCray

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Weather Spark states that it took a while for temperatures around the state to warm up again, with both the old Stapleton Airport and Trinidad reporting weeks' worth of at or below-freezing temperatures.
Flickr/Scrubhiker (USCdyer)
While these negative temperatures are obviously miserable, they still don't break the state record, which was made in 1985 when numbers dipped to a shocking -60 degrees.
Flickr/Keith Burton
Thankfully, there is no sign of temperatures reaching this low again anytime soon, but it is crucial always to be prepared, which is why the CDC recommends having an emergency kit in your car and home, plus non-perishable food and clean drinking water.
Flickr/Larry Lamsa

Do you have a favorite event, restaurant, or attraction that you would like to see featured here on Only in Colorado? Remember to tell us about it here! For even more crazy Colorado weather history, check out The Natural Phenomenon In Colorado That Only Happens During Wintertime.

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