As Denver braces for a mixed bag of weather conditions, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Denver has other issued updates and a hazardous weather outlook, indicating another bout of challenging mountain travel conditions. According to the National Weather Service, the Mile-High City is currently experiencing partly cloudy skies with the thermometer reading 29°F and south winds moving at 9 mph, contributing to the wind chill that makes it feel like a brisk 21°F.
The local forecast promises a high near 54 today, with southeast winds shifting westerly in the afternoon. However, tonight's partly cloudy skies will see temperatures dip to around 31, while Sunday should offer a respite with mostly sunny skies and a more agreeable high near 60. Yet, Sunday night poses a slight chance of rain showers transitioning into snow after 3 am, the low huddling at around 36 degrees, with the possibility of southwest winds gusting upwards of 20 mph, it is worth keeping in mind that snowfall reports from spotters in the mountains would be greatly appreciated.
Transitioning into the week of the new year, residents can expect a sunny Monday though the high near 49 will be accompanied by robust northwestern winds potentially gusting to 40 mph. Come Monday night, the temperatures are projected to drop to a chilly low of 22. Into Tuesday and Wednesday, Denver will see colder temperatures and more manageable winds; however, a gradual warming trend is forecasted later in the week with continued chances for light snow showers, particularly in the mountainous regions.
The NWS hazardous weather outlook warns of two more rounds of snow and blowing snow for the mountains, with the northern mountains expected to be hit by light to moderate snowfall through Sunday morning and areas above 10 thousand feet potentially accumulating 9 to 18 inches. Roads like Rabbit Ears Pass and Cameron Pass could be especially perilous due to low visibility and snow cover, exacerbated by strong wind gusts predicted to reach 45-55 mph starting this afternoon, another round of heavier snow, and inclement conditions are anticipated late Sunday evening stretching through to the next midday, with a possible improvement by Monday afternoon or night, which might include high winds of up to 60 mph along the plains and could spawn critical fire weather conditions and even areas with blowing dust.
