Our first widespread winter blast is expected this weekend and there will be a lot of impacts depending on where you are across the state. Very strong winds will be expected first, then mountain snow, a threat for rain/snow down to I-25 and then some solid cold air. Our first winter storm warnings have been issued of the season this weekend.
First, look at all the alerts in the west currently ahead of this storm. Everything from fire danger to snow and everything is between.
Let’s break down our forecast.
The storm we’re tracking is currently in the Pacific Northwest. It’s going to swing down toward colorado before breaking into two pieces and going separate ways. This detail of the forecast is what is making this setup good for some and not for others.
Notice the deep blue/green over Washington and Oregon move towards the Four Corners before breaking into two pieces. The southern piece is what’s going to bring Colorado the most changes.
We’ll notice the wind and fire danger first on Saturday.
It’ll be warm on Saturday and dry. Hence the Red Flag Warnings. Moisture will begin to move into the state tonight. Some very high terrain may see some snow by late afternoon with snow likely spreading across all mountains overnight.
Sunday will be a very snowy day across the high country with snow levels dropping to 6,000′. It will be a windy day everywhere on Sunday with high wind alerts issued in certain areas.
Snow will be a big concern across all mountain areas as westerly flow allows snow showers to develop and last through the entire day Sunday and into Monday morning. Winter weather highlights have been issued for heavy snow.
Sunday will not be a good travel day across the high country. Winds could gust as high as 65mph. Tough road conditions will last through Monday morning.
For the lower elevations, there won’t be much precip. With westerly flow coming down off the mountains, most of the precipitation will dry up. After the cold front surges by Sunday morning, cold air will continue to seep in. Temperatures will drop near freezing Sunday night and that is the best chance for the I-25 corridor to see some snow mixing in with the rain as upslope winds become possible.
Overall, the lower elevations will notice the wind and cold temperatures more than anything.
It’s going to be a busy end to the weekend as this storm moves by.
This doesn’t look to be the first official snow in Denver. Although some flakes may fly, we need a least a trace of accumulation to count as an official snowfall which we’re probably not going to get.
We’ll dry out Monday and stay dry through Wednesday morning. Another storm looks possible from Wednesday night to Thursday with more mountain snow and another chance at light snow for the Urban Corridor.
Enjoy the changing weather!
~Andy
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