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Frightfully frigid temperatures expected for Colorado trick-or-treaters on Halloween

Posted at 11:46 AM, Oct 30, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-31 07:59:56-04

While snow is moving out of the state just in time for Halloween, bitter cold temperatures are sticking around for a couple more days.

Late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning could bring bone-rattling lows (single-digits are possible in places) and the Denver International Airport has a chance of tying or breaking the all-time October low of -2 degrees sometime overnight, according to the National Weather Service. But Denver will warm up to the upper 30s and possibly 40 degrees by 4 p.m. This will be the first time since Saturday that Denver will see temperatures above freezing.

As the sun goes down Thursday, so will the temperature. In Denver, it will fall to the about 30 degrees by 7 p.m. — right when many trick-or-treaters head out for the evening. It will drop into the 20s an hour later. A light wind is also likely that evening.

Things aren’t any warmer in the mountains: Temperatures will drop below zero overnight before rising into the 20s and 30s by Thursday afternoon.

The National Weather Service said predicting the temperature for Thursday morning will be "challenging," since the air near the cold, snow-covered ground will be battling the strong, warm air above it. Click here for the latest Halloween forecast.

While Colorado sees temperatures much colder than what’s expected on the evening of Halloween, the cold is still very dangerous for those who are unprepared. If you or somebody you’re outside with begins to shiver, has slurred speech, shallow breathing and red, cold skin, go inside as soon as possible — these are signs of hypothermia. Frostbite is also a concern due to wind on top of such low temperatures, so make sure you're as covered as possible while outdoors.

Despite the expected cold, trick-or-treating must go on (just ask your child if they’re OK with skipping the candy this year and see how it goes). Here are some easy ways for you and your kids to stay warm while you walk around the block:

  • Wear layers under your costume, like leggings, long underwear or a long-sleeve shirt. Bring a jacket with you, even if you don’t wear it at first.
  • If you have long hair, wear it down to keep your neck and ears warm.
  • Bring a warm drink in a thermos, like coffee, tea, hot chocolate, hot cider or soup broth
  • Hand warmers aren’t just for the ski slopes — bring them with you trick-or-treating!
  • Some snow may melt today, but not much, so make sure your shoes are waterproof so the snow doesn’t seep in.
  • Keep moving. Walking keeps your body warm.

Happy trick-or-treating! 🎃