GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Western Colorado is bracing for a shift in weather patterns, moving from a period of unseasonably warm and dry conditions to a midweek mix of valley rain and mountain snow. The change, expected to begin , will also bring gusty winds and significantly cooler temperatures through the remainder of the week.
Warmth Gives Way to Approaching Storm System
The region has enjoyed mostly sunny skies and warmer temperatures in recent days, with highs reaching the mid-50s to low 60s. This mild spell will continue through and , though cloud cover will increase as the storm system approaches. Despite the increasing cloudiness, conditions will remain dry through .
Gusty Winds to Accompany the Change
Winds are expected to pick up significantly ahead of and during the arrival of the storm. Gusts of 20-30 mph are forecast for valley areas on , increasing to 30-40 mph in the valleys and up to 60 mph in the mountains on . These stronger gusts could create hazardous conditions, particularly in higher elevations.
Precipitation and Temperature Drop Midweek
Valley rain and mountain snow are currently anticipated to begin morning and continue intermittently through as multiple disturbances move through the area. The possibility of snow even in the valleys during morning and evening hours exists. Travel disruptions are possible in the mountains due to accumulating snowfall.
The precipitation will be accompanied by a noticeable drop in temperatures. Highs are expected to be in the upper 40s to low 50s on , falling to the mid to upper 40s on . Further cooling is expected and , with highs ranging from the upper 30s to low 40s.
Regional Forecast Details
Looking ahead to the next 24 hours, tonight will be mostly clear with temperatures dropping to the low to mid 40s around 7 PM, then to the mid to upper 30s by 9 PM. will be mostly cloudy, with morning lows of approximately 31 degrees in Grand Junction, 26 degrees in Montrose, 27 degrees in Delta, 22 degrees in Cortez, and 29 degrees in Moab. Temperatures will gradually rise to the upper 30s to low 40s around 9 AM, then to the upper 40s to low 50s by noon. Afternoon highs are forecast to reach around 57 degrees in Grand Junction, 56 degrees in Montrose, 60 degrees in Delta, 57 degrees in Cortez, and 55 degrees in Moab.
Snowfall Expectations and Potential Impacts
While rain is expected in the valleys, snowfall is anticipated to be more significant in the mountains. Snowfall on the mountains could reach 5-10 inches at higher elevations, such as on Grand Mesa and in the Elk Mountains, though amounts will vary. Mountain valleys may receive less than 3 inches, while the San Juan Mountains are expected to see 1-4 inches, with isolated peaks potentially receiving up to 10 inches. Heavier snow on high passes could impact travel over Vail Pass and the Continental Divide.
The incoming storm, while bringing some much-needed moisture to the region, is not expected to significantly alleviate the record-low snowpack currently impacting Colorado’s mountains. However, meteorologists suggest a more active storm pattern may develop in the coming weeks, potentially offering multiple opportunities for additional snowfall and a chance to improve the overall snowpack situation. The current storm is seen as a starting point, rather than a complete solution, to the ongoing drought conditions.
A downslope wind off the mountains could limit the amount of valley rain, potentially leading to drier conditions than initially forecast. Travelers in the mountains should be prepared for potential disruptions due to snow and icy conditions.
