Denver residents are looking ahead at a mix of spring weather that swings from sunny skies to potential snow showers, according to the latest forecast straight out of the National Weather Service. The City of Denver can expect to see mostly sunny conditions today with a high nearing 77 degrees, followed by a mild evening with the temperature dipping to around 47. The relative calm is, however, just a prelude to a more turbulent atmospheric performance set for the coming days.
Thursday's outlook starts with the slight possibility of showers and maintains mostly sunny skies with a high around 73, but it won’t remain benign for long. Breezy conditions will take over with south-southwest winds shifting northwest at 15 to 20 mph and gusting as strong as 31 mph, as noted by the National Weather Service. The relative tranquility of the weather serves only as a brief interlude before the potential storms.
Residents should brace themselves for a dramatic shift on Thursday night when rain showers are expected to transform into snow showers, possibly mixed with thunderstorms. The chance of precipitation skyrockets to 90%, with new snow accumulation forecasted to be less than a half-inch. The brief return to winter conditions continues into Friday with more snow showers and highs capping at a chilly 38 degrees. Meteorologists also warn that with this expected snow, travel could become more challenging, especially from Friday night into Saturday, when even the urban areas might see winter-like travel conditions.
The fire weather watch, which remains in effect from Thursday morning through evening, warns of west winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph and relative humidity as low as 9 percent. Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread, the warning emphasizes, urging the public to avoid outdoor burning or any activities that may create sparks and trigger wildfires. The National Weather Service also cautions that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur, indicating all should remain vigilant.
Into the weekend, Denver will experience a 50% chance of snow showers before noon on Saturday, potentially mixing with rain later under mostly cloudy skies and a high near 46 degrees. Weather conditions are expected to improve gradually with a slight chance of showers by Sunday afternoon and mostly sunny skies carrying into early next week.
