Colorado Weather Alert: Spring Warmth to Snowstorm Flip

Colorado is set for a rapid weather transformation as warm springlike temperatures forecast for Thursday will be quickly replaced by a significant cold storm delivering snow on Friday. This dramatic shift has prompted meteorologists to declare Friday a First Alert Weather Day.

Temperatures on Thursday are projected to climb into the mid to upper 60s across the plains, offering a final day of mild weather. However, this warmth comes with a warning: gusty winds and extremely dry air are expected to create critical fire weather conditions. The Palmer Divide and eastern Colorado, including Lincoln County, face the highest risk, with humidity potentially dropping to 10-15% and wind gusts reaching 25-30 mph. A Red Flag Warning has been issued for these regions from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday.

Beginning late Thursday night, snow will start accumulating in the mountains and foothills. Areas along and east of the Continental Divide anticipate moderate to locally heavy snowfall through Friday, with some locations possibly experiencing significant accumulations and difficult travel conditions due to blowing and drifting snow. A Winter Storm Warning is active from late Thursday night through Friday evening for 6 to 14 inches of snow, primarily north of Berthoud Pass. Meanwhile, the Southern Front Range Foothills, including Evergreen, Nederland, Idaho Springs, and Bailey, are under a Winter Weather Advisory for 4 to 10 inches.

By Friday morning, the snow is expected to spread into the plains. The Denver metropolitan area could see 2 to 4 inches of snow, with potentially higher amounts south of Denver towards the Palmer Divide and across the foothills. Travel along the I-25 corridor may be impacted by slushy conditions and moderate disruptions, particularly during the morning and evening commutes. Temperatures will also plummet, with highs only reaching the upper 30s in the Denver area on Friday.

The snow is anticipated to cease by Friday evening, giving way to drier air and calmer conditions on Saturday, with temperatures returning closer to seasonal averages. By Sunday, a warming trend is expected, with highs potentially reaching the 60s on the plains again.