Denver is waking up on the raw side at 34°F around 5:35 a.m. MDT, with chilly, partly cloudy skies as a fast-moving spring storm slides across the Front Range. Rain and snow showers are expected to roll in by mid-morning and hang around into the afternoon, keeping highs near 42°F. Gusty north-northeast winds will make it feel even colder, and a hard freeze is on tap overnight.
Showers of rain and snow are set to develop after 8 a.m., with the best shot at heavier bands late morning into early afternoon and an overall precipitation chance near 80 percent. Most of the Denver metro should see only light snow totals, from just a trace up to about a half-inch, while the Foothills and Palmer Divide could grab 2-6 inches where the stronger bands park themselves. Higher mountain elevations will score the most snow. The National Weather Service has Winter Weather Advisories posted for the higher elevations and a Freeze Warning from 8 p.m. Friday, April 17, to 8 a.m. Saturday, April 18, warning that a hard freeze could damage above-ground irrigation and tender plants. Brief visibility drops to around 1 mile are possible under the heavier snow bursts, which could cause short-lived travel headaches, according to the National Weather Service Denver/Boulder.
Afternoon Commute And Mountain Travel
Those heavier bands could slick up surface streets and knock down visibility around the midday commute, especially on freeway ramps and bridges where conditions change fast. Mountain travel looks more troublesome: CDOT recently reported an extended eastbound closure near the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel from a multi-vehicle crash earlier this week and is urging drivers to check COtrip.org for real-time road conditions and reroutes. Expect slower drive times heading west and think about delaying any nonessential trips into the high country today, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Tonight's Freeze - Protect Plants And Pipes
The overnight Freeze Warning means temperatures will tumble into the upper teens to low 20s across the plains, with some parts of the mountains dropping into the single digits. If you have outdoor hoses, above-ground irrigation, or tender potted plants, drain the lines and move or cover plants before 8 p.m. Friday to avoid damage. Any wet spots left on roads or sidewalks tonight could turn to ice by early Saturday, so keep an eye out for slick patches during the morning commute.
Weekend Warm-Up
Skies clear out on Saturday with a high near 59°F, and a solid warm-up arrives Sunday into early next week, with highs jumping into the 70s and low 80s by Monday and Tuesday. That spring heat should melt any lingering slush and make travel easier, although chilly nights are still possible in low-lying areas through Saturday morning. It is a good idea to time outdoor chores for the warmer parts of the weekend.
Quick Tips
If you have to be on the roads this afternoon, build in extra time, drive for the conditions, and be ready for sudden slowdowns on freeway ramps and mountain routes. Gardeners should drain hoses, bring potted plants inside, and hold off on planting sensitive seedlings until after the weekend warm-up. For the latest road conditions and official forecasts, check COtrip.org and the National Weather Service Denver/Boulder page before you head out.
