While portions of Colorado do experience drastic changes with weather conditions during the spring and fall, conditions will be remarkably extreme over the next three days. Within a 72 hour period, places that include the Denver metro area, could see record heat, dangerous fire weather conditions, and heavy record-setting snow.
Winter will make an early arrival as a strong system from the north will bring much colder temperatures as well as accumulating snow to the region. Temperatures will drop quickly behind a cold front Monday night with snow starting shortly after midnight over the higher terrain and foothills. Snow levels are expected to drop Tuesday morning, with accumulating snow possible for the Front Range, I-25 corridor and Denver Metro areas. Snow falling on trees in full leaf may cause branches to break or other tree damage. Scattered power outages will also be possible. Roadways could become slippery and slushy across the higher terrain. The system will move out by Wednesday with snowfall coming to an end and
conditions improving.
But before the cold and snow arrive, record heat will persist along with fire weather conditions. The National Weather Service is calling for very hot weather today, with 102 expected in Fort Morgan, 101 in Pueblo, 97 in Denver, 96 in Boulder, and 95 in Colorado Springs.
When the temperature at Denver International Airport reached 91 at 10am this morning, it became the 72nd “90” for the year. The all time record is 73 which occurred in 2012.
Very hot and dry conditions combined with windy conditions are also making for prime wildfire conditions. The National Weather Service says the fire danger is very high to extreme today and Monday, prompting them to issue Red Flag Warnings. The National Weather Service is urging people to avoid any outdoor activity that may produce a spark and start a new wildfire.
