Karmactive Staff
Denver is forecast to experience rain and cooler conditions Thursday, followed by a freeze watch for Thursday night and early Friday. This is an update to Karmactive’s earlier post on the Colorado mountain snow; the National Weather Service issued revised forecasts on October 14.
The most recent NWS forecast shows mountain snow reduced compared to earlier expectations: 4 to 12 inches above 9,000 to 10,000 feet, rather than the 8 to 16 inches above 7,500 feet that was forecast earlier. The winter-weather advisory expires at 6 a.m. Thursday.
Denver Freeze and Mountain Snow Transition
The National Weather Service issued a Freeze Watch for Denver, the Front Range urban corridor and eastern plains, effective late Thursday night through Friday morning. Temperatures are expected to reach 27 to 33 degrees Fahrenheit. This frost threat may damage sensitive vegetation and unprotected outdoor plumbing.
Rain should fall mainly in Denver before noon Thursday, with gusts reaching up to 30 miles per hour from the north. Thursday’s high is forecast near 54 degrees. Thursday night’s low is expected near 31 degrees.
Mountain areas above 9,000 to 10,000 feet will receive snow, while areas along and south of Interstate 70 may receive very little additional precipitation Thursday, the NWS stated.
Protecting Property and Plants
Residents with outdoor plumbing or sensitive plants should disconnect hoses, shut off outdoor water supply and cover sprinklers and vulnerable vegetation before Thursday evening. The freeze window is late Thursday night into Friday morning.
Travel and Mountain Passes
The NWS winter-weather advisory applies to mountain areas and passes including those at Breckenridge, Berthoud Pass and Eisenhower Tunnel. Snow-covered roads and reduced visibility are expected. The National Weather Service recommends checking the Colorado Department of Transportation trip planner for current road conditions and closures before departure.
Friday is forecast to clear and warm. Saturday is expected to reach approximately 75 degrees.
