Denver woke up on the chilly side Friday, with clear skies, temperatures near 34°F, and a light northwest breeze. The cold start will not last long, though, as a mostly sunny morning helps push afternoon highs to around 62°F. There is a slight and spotty chance of a light shower after noon, but most neighborhoods are expected to stay dry.
Afternoon Shower Chance and Mountain Update
Forecasters call for mostly sunny skies through the morning, followed by a slight chance of rain showers after noon, with northwesterly winds around 3 to 7 mph and a high near 62°F. According to NWS Denver/Boulder, the chance of precipitation is about 20%, and any rainfall that does develop should be light, generally under a tenth of an inch.
In the high country, snow has backed off considerably, and the forecast office canceled a Winter Weather Advisory earlier than planned. Even so, light additional mountain snow totals of 1 to 3 inches remain possible in favored areas through Friday.
Weekend Warmup and Travel Tips
High pressure settles in Saturday and Sunday, setting up a sunnier and warmer weekend. Highs are expected to climb to around 71°F on Saturday and about 74°F on Sunday, while overnight lows dip into the upper 30s to mid 40s.
If you are heading to the high country, plan for winter rules even if the Front Range feels like spring. The Colorado Department of Transportation notes that chain and traction laws remain in force through May 31, so check COtrip before you go. Pack layers and a light rain jacket. Travel across the plains should be mostly dry, but foothill corridors could still see brief slick spots.
Next Week Storms Return
The calm stretch does not last long. Unsettled weather returns early next week, with showers and thunderstorms likely from Monday afternoon into Tuesday night and cooler highs in the low 60s. The forecast discussion indicates this pattern could bring measurable precipitation to the Front Range mountains and foothills, which will be important to monitor if you have outdoor plans.
For now, Denver can plan on a warm and mainly dry weekend, then expect rain chances and the potential for additional mountain snow to increase starting Monday night and continuing into Wednesday.
.jpg){kind=link}