Denver is riding a quick weather swing this week. Wednesday wakes up chilly and clear near freezing, then rockets into the mid-60s by afternoon under plenty of sun. That brief taste of spring does not stick around long, though, with a Fire Weather Watch on deck for parts of the plains Thursday and a late-week storm set to flip rain over to snow into Friday.
Afternoon Sunshine And Comfortable Highs
Wednesday stays mostly sunny with highs landing around 65°F and a light southeast breeze. Dew points drop through the day, so the afternoon will feel dry and comfortable for anything from yard work to lunch on a patio.
Thursday Fire Weather Watch
Conditions turn gusty and much drier on Thursday. South-southwest winds will gust into the mid-20s mph while humidity dips into the teens across the Palmer Divide and portions of the eastern plains. The National Weather Service has a Fire Weather Watch posted for Thursday afternoon over parts of the plains, and residents are urged to skip outdoor burning and secure loose yard debris.
Late-Week Rain Changing To Snow
A cold front pushes in Thursday night, bringing a chance of rain before 11 p.m., followed by a mix of rain and snow by Friday morning. Light snow totals are possible across the Denver metro area, with less than an inch expected Thursday night and around an inch possible Friday. The mountains are in line for higher accumulations, so travelers should check road conditions with the Colorado Department of Transportation before heading west.
Quick Tips For Commuters
Soak up Wednesday's sunshine, then think a step ahead. Tie down or bring in loose outdoor items before the winds pick up on Thursday, and budget some extra time for the Friday morning drive in case of slushy or slick spots. Keep traction devices ready for mountain trips and stay tuned to updates from the National Weather Service and COtrip for the latest advisories and travel alerts.
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