Upcoming Snowstorm in Denver
A winter weather advisory will go into effect for the next 24 hours starting midnight Thursday, impacting the High Mountain Parks, the Front Range Foothills, the Park Range mountains, and the Palmer Divide. Denver is expected to receive between 1 and 3 inches of snow on Friday, with localized snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour anticipated under the heaviest snow bands.
Forecasts indicate that the heaviest amounts of snow will fall in the southern foothills, where totals could reach up to a foot. In contrast, the city of Denver itself is projected to receive around 2 inches from the storm, which is significant given that the last measurable snowfall recorded in the city was on January 25.
Between September and February, Denver saw only 13.4 inches of snowfall, highlighting the recent dry conditions. The upcoming storm, expected to begin in the mountains and foothills late Thursday night, should bring moderate to heavy snow throughout Friday.
A winter storm warning will also be in effect from midnight Thursday through midnight Friday for the Front Range mountains, the Medicine Bow Range, and the mountains of Summit County and the Mosquito Range. This warning underscores the potential for hazardous travel conditions.
As the storm approaches, gusty winds of up to 40 mph are expected in the mountains, which could exacerbate the impact of the snowfall. Commuters should prepare for slick conditions on the roads, regardless of the amount of snow that accumulates in the city.
Following the snowstorm, temperatures in Denver are forecasted to rise significantly, with highs expected to reach 70 degrees by Monday. This rapid temperature shift could lead to slushy conditions as the snow begins to melt.
Stacey Donaldson, a local meteorologist, noted, “Overall, it looks like light amounts of snowfall … should be pretty slushy here for our area; it’s just been so warm lately.” This sentiment reflects the unusual weather patterns the region has experienced recently.
As the storm unfolds, residents are advised to stay updated on the latest forecasts and prepare for potential disruptions. The drought conditions affecting the area are expected to continue at least through this month, making this storm critical for local water supplies.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact impact of the storm, but the forecast suggests a significant change in Denver’s weather pattern.