Denver started Friday under clear skies and a brisk 14°F at 5:35 a.m. MST on February 20, but the calm is not expected to last. Clouds will build through the morning, and light snow is likely after 8 a.m., mainly during the midday and afternoon commute. Highs should reach near 35°F before sliding back toward the low 30s, which means some slush and a few slick spots where snow meets already cold pavement.
Afternoon Snow And Commute
Light snow becomes a decent bet after 8 a.m. Friday, February 20, with a 60–70% chance through mid-afternoon and new accumulation generally staying under a half inch, according to the National Weather Service Denver/Boulder. North winds of 1–9 mph will help nudge temperatures down to around 32°F in the afternoon, and some spots could see gusts up to 18 mph, briefly knocking down visibility during passing snow showers. Drivers should be ready for patchy slickness on untreated bridges and overpasses, and plan a little extra time for the commute.
Friday night stays cold, with a chance of light snow early before skies clear and lows dip near 18°F. The foothills and higher terrain may squeeze out a bit more snow than the metro area, but most city neighborhoods are looking at just a dusting to some isolated light coatings. Short-lived periods of lower ceilings and reduced visibility are possible this evening for local flights, with more typical flying conditions expected to return by Saturday morning.
Weekend Warm-Up
The payoff comes this weekend. Dry weather returns Saturday and Sunday, with highs near 47°F on Saturday and about 50°F on Sunday, followed by a more pronounced warm-up on Monday and Tuesday as highs climb into the mid-60s to around 70°F, according to the National Weather Service Denver/Boulder. That early-week warmth should easily clear roads and melt any light accumulation from Friday's flurries, although nights will still run on the chilly side.
Quick Tips
If you have late-morning plans on Friday, pack ice-grip footwear and pad your schedule a bit; side streets and untreated bridges will be the first to slick up. If you are catching a flight or relying on transit this afternoon, check the status before you head out, and keep an eye on updates from local officials in case conditions change.
