The National Weather Service in Denver is prepping residents for a week that promises a slate of temperamental weather, with blasts of mountain snow and bone-chilling temperatures predicted on the plains. According to the National Weather Service, today, known as Washington's Birthday, has already been marked by a 60% chance of precipitation, including a light coating of snow and possible rain before noon, followed by more snow in the afternoon with less than half an inch of accumulation expected.
Tonight, the forecast anticipates snow likely to occur mainly before 7 p.m., featuring mostly cloudy conditions and a low of around 13 degrees. The north wind, blowing softly at 3 to 6 mph, isn't going to help much against the nippy evening. To continue bracing for the frigid climate, Tuesday might see another 30 percent chance of snow dusting with negligible accumulation, but those longing for warmer days will have to sit tight. An arctic air mass is expected to firmly entrench itself through Thursday morning.
The Hazardous Weather Outlook issued by NWS diverts attention to the mountain regions where heavy snow and significant travel interruptions are anticipated through tonight. Whereas the lower elevations should prepare for light, patchy snow predominantly this evening, adding to the treacherous road conditions. Accumulations are set to be less than two inches but may favor the eastern plains where the arctic air promises to intensify.
On the plains, folks are admonished to bear with the cold as highs hang in the single digits and teens, soberly plunging to emerging single digits above and below zero overnight. The northeast corner of the state is bracing to shimmer with the coldest temperatures during this icy spell. This wintry tableau is forecast to slowly thaw from Friday as a warming and drying pattern sets to gradually release us from winter's grasp into sunnier, more breathable days leading into the weekend.
