UPDATE: Read Thursday morning’s Colorado weather forecast. Thursday is a FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAY
As your Wednesday progresses, we are witnessing a significant shift in our Colorado weather, characterized by gusty winds and increased cloud coverage. A powerful cold front is expected to sweep across the Rockies, starting late on Wednesday and continuing into Thursday. This front will bring rain to the lower elevations and substantial snowfall to the mountains. It is worth noting that there are two distinct waves of weather approaching. The first wave will bring showers and storms on Wednesday, while the second wave will bring mountain snow and colder temperatures on Thursday.
On Wednesday morning, the initial alteration will manifest as powerful winds, accompanied by thickening clouds and showers in the mountains. Consequently, the wind intensity will escalate throughout the entire state.
As a system approaches, temperatures in the mountains and west will gradually decrease, bringing cooler conditions. However, eastern Colorado will continue to experience above average high temperatures.
By Wednesday afternoon, winds in Denver and the Front Range will increase, reaching gusts of up to 25 mph.
On Thursday, strong winds are expected across the entire state, including gusts of up to 30 mph in the Denver metro area by afternoon. In the mountains, some gusts may reach a maximum speed of 55 mph.
Due to the windy, dry, and warm conditions prevailing in southeastern Colorado, there is an elevated risk of wildfires in areas extending from Pueblo to the southeastern regions of the state. Consequently, a Red Flag Warning has been issued for Wednesday afternoon, indicating the heightened danger of fire outbreaks.
On Thursday night into Friday morning, the low pressure trough will be centered around the more powerful second wave, as it moves across the Rockies.
As a result of this weather pattern, colder air will be drawn across the state, accompanied by a flow of moisture towards northern Colorado. This combination will bring about substantial snowfall in the mountains and intermittent rain in the northeastern plains, including the Denver metro area.
Winter Weather Advisories have been issued for the northern and central mountains of the state, starting from 6pm Wednesday until 6am Friday. This upcoming snowfall will be the largest of the season thus far, particularly at elevations of 10,000 feet and above. Anticipate significant snow accumulation, with regions around Steamboat receiving anywhere from 6 to 12 inches. From Thursday morning through Friday, driving conditions in the mountains may prove challenging.
A High Wind Watch is also in effect for certain areas in extreme eastern Colorado on Thursday and Friday, as wind gusts near and behind the storm system could reach speeds of up to 60 mph.
The highest rainfall in Denver and the northeastern plains will occur on Thursday during the day. The rain will start in the morning and continue intermittently throughout the afternoon. Starting from Wednesday afternoon until Friday morning, areas along the Front Range, from Denver to Fort Collins, may receive between a little over a tenth of an inch to a quarter of an inch of rainfall. The precipitation amount increases as you move further north.
The alternate tale revolves around the chilly weather. Expect temperatures in the 50s for Thursday and Friday, accompanied by freezing morning lows on Friday and Saturday. Denver might experience its inaugural freeze of the season during one of these mornings.
