Climate Summary
(made with AI, use with caution)
| Cortez, Colorado Climate Summary General Climate • Cortez, Colorado has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters.
• The average annual temperature is 51.8°F (11°C).
• The average annual precipitation is 9.8 inches (250 mm). Summer • The average summer temperature is 75.2°F (24°C).
• The average high temperature in July is 93°F (34°C).
• The average low temperature in July is 57°F (14°C).
• The average precipitation in July is 1.6 inches (40 mm). Winter • The average winter temperature is 28.4°F (-2°C).
• The average high temperature in January is 43°F (6°C).
• The average low temperature in January is 14°F (-10°C).
• The average precipitation in January is 0.5 inches (13 mm). Spring and Fall • The average spring temperature is 46.6°F (8°C).
• The average fall temperature is 46.6°F (8°C).
• The average precipitation in April is 0.7 inches (18 mm).
• The average precipitation in October is 0.6 inches (15 mm). Climate Extremes • The record high temperature in Cortez is 114°F (46°C), set on July 14, 1913.
• The record low temperature in Cortez is -35°F (-37°C), set on February 1, 1985.
• The most precipitation in a single month in Cortez was 4.4 inches (112 mm), which occurred in September 1983.
• The least precipitation in a single month in Cortez was 0.01 inches (0.25 mm), which occurred in June 1954. Climate Change • The climate of Cortez is changing, as it is in the rest of the world.
• The average annual temperature in Cortez has increased by about 2°F (1°C) since the late 19th century.
• The average annual precipitation in Cortez has decreased by about 1 inch (25 mm) since the late 19th century.
• These changes are expected to continue in the future, with the average annual temperature in Cortez projected to increase by another 2-4°F (1-2°C) by the end of the century.
• The average annual precipitation in Cortez is projected to decrease by another 1-2 inches (25-50 mm) by the end of the century. Impacts of Climate Change • The impacts of climate change are already being felt in Cortez.
• The increased temperatures are leading to more heat waves and wildfires.
• The decreased precipitation is leading to more droughts and water shortages.
• These changes are having a negative impact on the local economy, environment, and public health. Adaptation and Mitigation • The city of Cortez is taking steps to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
• The city is working to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, improve its energy efficiency, and prepare for the impacts of climate change.
• The city is also working with local businesses and organizations to develop climate-resilient strategies. |
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| Facts & Historical Information
(made with AI, use with caution)
| Natural History • Cortez is home to Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. • The area is part of the Four Corners region, where the Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona borders meet. • The Dolores River, a tributary of the Colorado River, flows through Cortez. Science • The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) operates a facility in Cortez for research on time and frequency standards. • The University of Colorado has a field station in Cortez that conducts research on archaeology, paleontology, and geology. Personalities Richard Wetherill:A rancher and explorer who discovered Mesa Verde National Park in 1888. Alfred M. Collins:A physician and archaeologist who excavated and documented many Ancestral Puebloan sites in the Four Corners region. John Otto:A paleontologist who discovered the first known fossil of a Tyrannosaurus rex in 1902, near Cortez. |
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Tourist Attractions
| 1. Mesa Verde National Park: Home to some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the United States, Mesa Verde National Park offers a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans who lived in the area from 600 to 1300 AD. Visitors can explore over 600 cliff dwellings, including the famous Cliff Palace, as well as learn about the park's natural and cultural history. 2. Canyons of the Ancients National Monument: This vast and rugged landscape is home to a wealth of archaeological sites, including cliff dwellings, pueblos, and petroglyphs. Visitors can explore the monument on foot, by bike, or by car, and discover the secrets of the ancient people who once called this place home. 3. Hovenweep National Monument: Located in the Four Corners region of the United States, Hovenweep National Monument is home to a number of well-preserved towers, pueblos, and petroglyphs. Visitors can explore the monument on foot or by car, and learn about the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans. |
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Nearby Cities:| Towaoc, CO | | Mancos, CO | Grand Junction, CO | | Farmington, NM | Clifton, CO | | Montrose, CO | Durango, CO | | Delta, CO | Redlands, CO | | Shiprock, NM | Kirtland, NM | | Fruitvale, CO | Bloomfield, NM | | Orchard Mesa, CO | |
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