Colorado Winter Storm Forecast: Snow Expected Across the State

A winter storm is set to impact Colorado, bringing accumulating snow across various regions from late Wednesday night through early Friday. The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts that snow will begin in the mountains before spreading to the Front Range, including the Denver metro area, by Thursday afternoon. This storm follows a period of unseasonably warm and dry weather, with Denver receiving only 6.8 inches of snow this season, significantly below the average of 20.4 inches by the end of December.

ABC Denver 7 KMGHWJZ - CBS BaltimoreColorado SunWJZ - CBS BaltimoreKRCC - NPR - Colorado SpringsWJZ - CBS BaltimoreDenver could see a few inches of snow (or more) on Thursday

Forecasts indicate varying snow totals depending on location. In the Denver metro area, expected accumulations range from 2 to 6 inches, while areas along the Palmer Divide and southern foothills could see between 5 to 10 inches. The NWS has issued winter storm watches for northern El Paso County and the Palmer Divide, where hazardous travel conditions are anticipated. Higher elevations, particularly in the mountains, may receive up to 15 inches of snow.

Colorado Sun

Snow is expected to begin late Wednesday night, with the heaviest snowfall occurring during the Thursday morning and evening commutes. As temperatures drop, roads may become slick, particularly on Thursday night into Friday morning. The storm is projected to taper off from northwest to southeast by Friday afternoon, leading to improved conditions by the weekend.

KKTV 11 News

Meteorologists have expressed caution regarding the storm's potential impact. Stacey Donaldson from Denver7 noted, “It’s going to then taper off from north to south but we’ll see some light snow early Friday morning with the heavier snow down south.” The NWS emphasized the uncertainty in snowfall totals, stating, “Confidence in snowfall totals remains low at this time.”

ABC Denver 7 KMGHKDKA - CBS PittsburghABC Denver 7 KMGHDenver could see a few inches of snow (or more) on ThursdayKRCC - NPR - Colorado SpringsWJZ - CBS BaltimoreWJZ - CBS Baltimore

Despite the anticipated snowfall, some residents express concern over the lack of significant winter weather thus far this season. The dry conditions have exacerbated drought conditions across Colorado, with over 70% of the state classified as “abnormally dry.” Critics argue that while the storm may provide temporary relief, it is insufficient to address the ongoing drought.

KRCC - NPR - Colorado Springs

Following the storm, Colorado is expected to return to dry conditions, with temperatures rising into the 40s and 50s over the weekend. However, meteorologists warn that the dry weather could lead to a return of fire weather conditions if winds pick up.

KRCC - NPR - Colorado Springs

• “There is a lot of uncertainty with it,” — David Barjenbruch, Boulder NWS Meteorologist

KCFC - NPR - Boulder

• “It’s been a while since we’ve driven on snow,” — David Barjenbruch, Boulder NWS Meteorologist

KRCC - NPR - Colorado Springs

This winter storm represents a significant weather event for Colorado, marking a shift from the recent warm and dry conditions and providing much-needed moisture to the state.

KRCC - NPR - Colorado Springs