The Denver metro area is bracing for some serious gusts, with a hazardous weather outlook issued by the National Weather Service. Starting this evening and rolling into the early morning, wind-prone areas could see gusts reaching upwards of 65 to 85 mph. This warning specifically targets regions north of I-70 and east of the Continental Divide, and it's anticipated to affect conditions through sunrise on Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service, these winds have the muscle to make travel difficult, especially for those driving high-profile vehicles. Expected alongside the robust winds are possible damages to trees and powerlines. The alert, in effect from midnight, puts an emphasis on vigilance for anyone planning on hitting the roads or living in susceptible locations.
But don't let today's mostly sunny skies fool you. The winds are just a precursor to what's in store for Denver and the surrounding areas. Tuesday is when the real gusts hit their peak, with the NWS forecasting maximum gusts that could blow up to 75 to 90 mph across the mountains and foothills. And if you think the plains will be spared, think again. Some of these winds could very well make their way to the lower elevations, particularly west of I-25 and parts of northern Larimer and Weld Counties.
Moving past Tuesday's gusts, a light snowfall is expected for the northern mountains come Wednesday and Thursday. As if that wasn't enough, the NWS warns of another round of strong winds slated for Wednesday night into Thursday morning, threatening gusts up to 75 mph in the high country. Residents living in the wind-prone areas at the foothills should also be on alert for gusty conditions.
For those folks in Denver today, you can expect a comfortable high near 60°F, with south winds around 11 to 13 mph, according to the latest NWS update. Tonight will dip to a low around 33°F, calming down to a west wind ranging from 5 to 11 mph. And while the upcoming days promise mostly sunny weather with highs hovering around the 50s and 60s, it's clear the wind will be the main character in this week's weather story.
