Summer weather returns after wild last day of Spring

Call it what you will, but snow falling anywhere in the state on June 20th does not happen every year. While many locations along the front range picked up well over an inch of rain, and experienced temperatures some 20 degrees below average for the day - the mountains put the monster snow-melt on pause for a moment to experienced freezing temperatures and accumulating snow. How much snow? Enough to close Trail Ridge Road, and force summer campers scrambling from upwards of 6 inches of fresh snow.

The system has now moved on, and the clear skies and soaring temperatures can attest to that. It appears things will only get warmer as the week goes on, sending highs into this low 90s by Thursday. The snow melt can resume, prompting new flood warnings and extending some old. The tremendous rains along the front range will only exacerbate these issues. A slight chance of showers will return to the forecast towards the end of the week, but these will generally be isolated and light.

Weather pattern changes in store for Denver

As I hinted to in my post earlier this week, there may finally be some changes on the way for Denver. Several weak disturbances will effect the area about every other day through most of next week, and with that will come our first chances for precip in what feels like forever. Normally such weak and unorganized systems would not earn themselves a mention in the blog, but with our yards turning to dust and fires ravaging the Front Range it seems only appropriate to give them some mention.

Tonight will be our first chance of some moisture, albeit not a very good chance. Best chances will occur well north of Denver and east of town as well. Similar scenarios are set for Sunday and Monday. At this point our best shot at picking up some real moisture may come during the second half of next week, but given the track record of this winter and the extended nature of this forecast, I am unwilling to get too excited as of yet!

#Graupel!

Another potential storm fizzles away...

With only a dusting to 3 inches now expecting in metro Denver tonight, it begs the question if we will seen any real storms this year. It is no secret that we remain well below average for the season, and according to Examiner Weather these numbers are almost record breaking. According to a tweet by @ExaminerWeather earlier this afternoon "Denver is experiencing its 9th least snowiest season in 128 years"! While incredible, not unbelievable, especially after yet another storm that just days ago looked to be a traditional (and potent) March storm, has dwindled into nothing but cold, fog, and scattered snow showers. Unreal.

Changes in our weather

It's March again, and that generally means interesting weather for Colorado's Front Range. While this winter has been virtually absent of snow (yes, we are still well below average), March might be our best chance at changing this. March is Denver's snowiest month with 11.7 inches on average (NWS). March is truly a transition month, with a record high of 84 and a record low of -11 we can pretty much see anything during this month. A prime example of March's wild weather was in 2003, when tornadic activity turned to snow late on the 17th and left Denver with it's second worst storm in history; 31.8 inches of snow was recorded at the old Stapleton Airport. While the outlook for March 2011 calls for warmer than normal temps, and below average precipitation (a continued thank you to La Nina!), it is not unreasonable to expect at least one decent storm this month. Read on!

After weeks of tranquil weather, changes could be coming. Temperatures tomorrow should again warm into the 60s, but rain and snow will be moving into the area by tomorrow evening. Friday will be quite a bit cooler with temps in the 40s and a chance of rain and snow. By the weekend temperatures will return to the 50s.

Our attention then turns to early next week when potential for another even stronger storm may arrise! I have been watching this system for several days now, and am trying to not get too excited about it. As it stands, it looks like most models will take the brunt of the energy too far north for substantial accumulation in Denver. That said, if the system slows a little, and allows for more digging to take place, we could be in for a classic March storm. Stay tuned!

Snow and cold return tonight *UPDATED*

Changes have been made to snowfall forecast... totals have been upped from 3 - 6 to 4 - 8. Latest models suggest this still might be underdone... which would likely mean a warning being posted later today. Stay tuned!

The National Weather Service has issued a *winter weather advisory* for Denver and the entirety of eastern Colorado. A strong cold front associated with this next system will plow through the region sometime late this evening bringing back single digit temps and widespread snow. The NWS predicts the heaviest snow to occur between 5am and 9am Tuesday morning, just in time to make for a hellish commute. In all, Denver should end up with 4 - 8 inches of snow, with snow-favored locations to our south and west picking up 5 - 10. In addition to the snow, temperatures Tuesday are not expected to make it out of the single digits, with lows dropping well below zero Tuesday night.

Please stay tuned for any changes in the going forecast, and snowfall predictions.

Chance of snow to continue

There will be a chance of snow each of the next five days. Several disturbances passing through the region will provide occasional better chances for accumulating snow. The first will come tomorrow as a cold front passes through around midday. It does not look like too much snow at this point, but if the winds turn into the foothills a bit, we could see a couple inches in spots. Our next best chance for snow will come Monday night into Tuesday when another potent arctic airmass moves into the Front Range. Will monitor both these situations closely as there have been quite a few discrepancies in timing and strength of all over these waves.

Bitter cold in store for Denver, snow on the way as well

An arctic airmass like we haven't seen in quite some time is headed for Colorado, and will be fully entrenched come Monday night. The National Weather Service is now forecasting a high of -2 degrees on Tuesday. The last time we did not make it above zero for a high was way back in 1997! Single digits will return on Wednesday before finally breaking freezing again Thursday.

In addition to the cold, the NWS has issued a *winter weather advisory* for nearly all of eastern Colorado. At this point it looks like Denver can expect anywhere from 3 - 7 inches of snow from midday Monday through early Tuesday. Snow-favored locations to our south and west are looking at more like 5 - 10 inches from this storm.

While it appears that the bitter cold will be the major weather story of the next several days, please stay tuned for any changes to the going snowfall forecast.

Stay warm out there!