Denver

Denver and Northern Rockies on High Alert for Strong Winds, Gusts up to 75 mph Forecasted

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Published on December 15, 2024
Denver and Northern Rockies on High Alert for Strong Winds, Gusts up to 75 mph ForecastedSource: Alex Gray, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Denver has issued a high wind warning for the northern Rocky Mountain foothills and areas of the Front Range, with residents expecting winds to reach up to 75 mph later today. Notably, the warning emphasizes risks along and north of the Interstate 70 corridor, where these intense winds could manifest this afternoon through to this evening. The National Weather Service predicts parts of the plains will encounter 35 to 45 mph gusts, with wind speeds possibly hitting 55 to 60 mph near the Wyoming border.

Amid the wind advisory, Denver's weather currently stands at a partly cloudy 37°F with humidity at 52%. According to the latest update from NWS, the dew point remains low at 20°F, suggesting a crisp and dry day ahead for residents. Visibility holds steady at 10 miles, though the brisk wind brings the chill to a feels-like temperature of around 33°F.

While the wind remains a concern, the outlook for the week points to a primarily sunny trend, with temperatures hovering around the mid-50s. The prediction for today suggests a high near 55 degrees with a brisk westerly wind that will increase in the afternoon to gusts as high as 30 mph. The clear skies are expected to continue into Monday night, with the low dropping to around 24 degrees and winds slackening after midnight. A similarly sunny disposition holds for most of the forthcoming week.

In addition to the wind, the weather service reports that light snow will continue in the northern mountains today. Still, it will taper off by the afternoon, leading to minor accumulations with the wind's added force. However, blowing snow could present difficulties over mountain passes, especially for those planning to travel through the high country, who should remain mindful of potential blowing snow hazards along with the strong gusts of wind.

Looking forward to the upcoming days, the high winds should lessen by Monday, while a subsequent weak storm system may sweep through by Tuesday, bringing the possibility of light snowfall to the mountain regions. Outside of these specific notes, spotter activation is not expected to be necessary for the rest of the week, but the NWS encourages the reporting of any significant wind occurrences.

Denver-Weather & Environment