Clear skies are parked over Denver this morning, with a KBJC observation showing about 52°F and a light southwest breeze. Sunday, May 3, is set to be the warmest day of the stretch, with highs climbing into the mid to upper 70s before a strong storm system moves in early next week. If you have outdoor plans, today is the time to take advantage of the dry weather, since the pattern turns noticeably wetter and cooler starting Monday.
Sunday: Warm And Mostly Sunny
Sunday, May 3, will be mostly sunny with a high near 77°F and west winds around 8 mph. Temperatures may slip a couple of degrees later in the afternoon, but chances of showers remain very low. A few gusty pockets are possible near the foothills from late morning into the afternoon, yet most spots in the metro should stay dry and comfortable for outdoor activities. If you are planning evening events outside, get them in before the next system arrives.
Monday Into Tuesday: Rain Moves In
Beginning Monday afternoon, May 4, an approaching system brings a chance of rain showers, with precipitation becoming more widespread Monday night into Tuesday, May 5. The plains are expected to start with rain while the mountain snowfall picks up. A second surge of colder air on Tuesday night may lower snow levels toward the foothills. This lines up with our April 30 coverage and marks a faster and wetter shift than what was forecast over the weekend, as detailed in our earlier look at the cold, wet whiplash setup, as per Hoodline.
Peak Impacts Tuesday–Wednesday
Forecasters expect the mountains to see the heaviest snow, roughly 8 to 13 inches, from Tuesday into Wednesday. The foothills and the Palmer Divide could pick up several inches in favored spots, and the Denver metro may see anything from a trace to a couple of inches on grassy surfaces as rain changes to snow Tuesday night into Wednesday, May 6. Nearly 90% of ensemble guidance now shows at least a trace for metro Denver, and there is about a 70% chance of at least one inch, although exact totals depend on how quickly temperatures fall. Slower travel is likely in mountain corridors, and headline-level winter products are possible in the next 24 to 48 hours, so check forecasts before heading west, according to the National Weather Service Denver/Boulder.
How To Prepare
If you plan to drive into the high country on Tuesday or Wednesday, consider postponing nonessential trips or build in extra time and check road conditions before you leave. Put winter gear and an emergency kit in any vehicle headed toward the passes, and move sensitive outdoor items indoors before Monday night. Even relatively small snow totals can make mountain roads slick. We will update this report if local agencies post advisories or travel restrictions.
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