Denver woke up Saturday, January 31, to patches of freezing fog, near-freezing temperatures, and some dicey visibility for the early commute. The haze is expected to thin out by mid-morning, setting the stage for a mostly sunny, mild afternoon. Highs will climb into the upper 50s across the city, which is about as toasty as late January reasonably gets.
Morning Fog, Quick Clearing
Localized pockets of dense freezing fog with visibility reported as low as one-eighth to one-quarter mile in eastern parts of the metro are most likely to hang on north of I-70. That soupy air should break up between about 6 and 8 a.m. as southwesterly downslope winds strengthen and start mixing things out.
The National Weather Service Denver/Boulder reports that the worst visibility issues have already passed and is calling for relatively fast erosion of the low clouds this morning. Forecasters say a brief Dense Fog Advisory could still be considered for a few stubborn pockets if conditions degrade again, but rapid mixing is expected through the main part of the morning drive.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Once the fog clears, expect breezy northwest winds around 5 to 13 mph in the city, with gusts into the low 20s. In the foothills and other leeward slopes, those breezes turn into something more serious, with potential gusts of 60 to 70 mph on exposed ridges and shoulders. The strongest winds will stay focused on mountain slopes rather than Denver proper, but drivers of high-profile vehicles should go easy on exposed stretches of road. Winds should back off into the evening as typical nighttime drainage patterns return.
Looking Ahead
Sunday looks even brighter and warmer, with highs near 63°F, and the mild pattern should carry into Monday. The next shot at rain or snow arrives Tuesday into early Wednesday, although forecasters expect limited moisture and only a small chance of light rain or snow with minimal accumulation for the lower elevations. For a broader preview of the week, see our earlier look at Denver's sunny streak with possible snow on the horizon.
What This Means For Your Commute
If you are heading out early, build in a little extra time for reduced visibility and let fogged-up headlights clear before you hit higher speeds. Secure patio furniture, trash bins, and other loose items ahead of the afternoon gusts, and mountain travelers should check pass conditions since the foothills will see the most intense winds. Otherwise, it is shaping up to be a pleasant weekend to knock out errands or take an afternoon walk while the sun is cooperating.
