Snow returns to Colorado, just in time for the New Year!
After quite the dry spell, we are on our way back into a more active pattern. This, as you have probably noticed, has already brought cloud cover, cooler temperatures, and a little bit of mist to the area. This is round one of two.
This first episode of moisture and cooler temperatures won’t produce too much snow—it's the second round that will be the one to watch.
Winter Weather Advisory for east-central and SE CO. Winter Storm Watch for NE and east central plains Saturday. #cowx pic.twitter.com/hXEQxTvLn3
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) December 27, 2019
Winter weather advisories and winter storm watches are already issued ahead of the upcoming, heavier snow. Temperatures, by the time we wake up on Saturday, will be in the mid-20s. Snow will be falling in the morning and will continue through much of the day. High temperatures on Saturday are only expected to reach the mid to upper 20s, so it’s going to be a cold day.
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY posted for #Denver.
— Andy Stein (@AndySteinWx) December 27, 2019
3-5” of snow and 40 mph winds possible. #Snow pic.twitter.com/TqYwr4zP4k
Snow continues through the evening and will dissipate by nighttime. Total snow accumulations will range from 3-5” for the Denver metro and Urban Corridor. Lesser amounts near the Wyoming border. If you’re traveling in the eastern plains this weekend, particularly on Saturday, you will almost certainly have travel issues as areas east of Denver will see 4-8” of snow and very strong winds.
Wintry mix eastern plains this afternoon, then more snow late tonight through Sat night. Strong winds and near blizzard on plains Sat. #cowx pic.twitter.com/ZJpn6dcBQx
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) December 27, 2019
Blizzard conditions are possible across the eastern plains, which leads to the possibility of interstate clouded and airport delays. Roads will be snow-covered most of the day on Saturday and should begin to improve Sunday when the sunshine returns. Sunday will be a beautiful Colorado day, but temperatures will not get above freezing, so snow will take its time melting. This means there could be a couple of slick spots as we head into Monday morning.
Drive safely if you are traveling tomorrow. The mountains are going to see snow and travel issues will persist intermittently through Sunday morning across the high country.
