Denver rolled into Monday with clear skies, mid-40s at KBJC, and a calm start that felt more like early summer than early May. By this afternoon, temperatures are still expected to climb into the low 70s, but that flip you have been hearing about is on the way. A colder system is set to arrive Tuesday night, and by late week, parts of the metro could be trading rain for heavy, wet snow.
Afternoon Storms And Gusty Outflows
On Monday, May 4, forecasters expect mostly cloudy skies with a high near 73°F and a window of showers and thunderstorms developing from around noon into the mid-afternoon. West-northwest winds should run about 6 to 10 mph, with gusts that could reach roughly 16 mph. Any stronger storm cell could kick out sudden outflow winds that briefly mess with the evening commute. For a deeper look at the setup and the warm start to the week, see our earlier Hoodline coverage on the soaking snow slam this week.
Winter Storm Watch Tuesday Night Into Wednesday
The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Watch on May 4, in effect from Tuesday evening, May 5, through Wednesday afternoon, May 6. According to NWS Denver/Boulder, total snow accumulations of 3 to 9 inches are possible across portions of the urban corridor, with the higher amounts favored on colder surfaces and west of I-25. The watch warns that heavy, wet snow could bring down tree limbs and power lines, which may lead to localized outages and slick conditions for the Wednesday morning commute.
Who Should Be Most Concerned
The foothills, Palmer Divide, and western suburbs face the greatest chance for heavier snow and more serious travel problems. Denver proper has a lower risk of big totals, but slushy grass and elevated surfaces could still wind up with anything from a coating to a few inches. Road temperatures and the early May sun angle should limit how fast snow sticks to pavement at first, though cooling overnight Tuesday will raise the odds of slick roads by Wednesday morning.
Quick Tips For Residents
If you need to travel, consider delaying nonessential trips from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, plan for extra time on the roads, and be ready for potential power blips with flashlights, charged phones, and warm layers. Check updated forecasts and transportation alerts before heading into the mountains, and bring vulnerable yard plants and outdoor gear inside before Tuesday night so they are not caught under heavy, wet snow.
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