Starting on Monday, we’ll see dry conditions with strong winds and warm temperatures. Winds will be coming from the northwest, which will make it feel breezy, especially during the day. Temperatures are expected to be well above average, with highs in the 70s across the plains, about 15-20 degrees warmer than usual for this time of year. With all this wind and dry air, we’ll need to be careful about fire risk, as the conditions will be perfect for fires to spread quickly. A Red Flag Warning for high fire danger is in effect for Denver and the eastern plains from 11am-7pm on Monday.
As we move into Monday night and Tuesday, a storm system will start to move in, bringing some snow into the mountains late Monday. This will kick off light snow that could turn into heavier snow by Tuesday morning.
For the plains, the snow won’t start until later in the day as temperatures are initially too warm. But as a cold front arrives, temperatures will drop enough to bring snow to the area. The timing of this cold front is still a little uncertain, and some models show it arriving earlier than others, so we’ll have to wait and see exactly when the rain will switch to snow.
The amount of snow we’ll see also depends on how quickly this system develops. If it strengthens quickly, we could see heavier snow for the eastern plains. But if the system is slower, the snow will likely be heavier in the foothills and around the Palmer Divide. Right now, it looks like we could see 1-4 inches of snow for the eastern plains, with a small chance of 6-8 inches in some spots. Areas farther north are expected to get much less snow.
Tuesday evening could bring some tricky travel conditions, especially for anyone commuting. With wind gusts of up to 40 mph across the plains, it could be a tough drive with reduced visibility if snow starts to accumulate. Be prepared for slick roads and the possibility of whiteout conditions in some areas.
By Wednesday, the system will be moving out, and we could still see some light snow showers in the mountains. Things will dry out as a ridge of high pressure builds in on Thursday, which will bring some warmer temperatures, reaching into the 60s. However, don’t get too comfortable, as another weather system is expected to bring snow showers to the mountains on Friday, with a small chance of a rain/snow mix reaching the plains. But that’s still uncertain for now.
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