Denver wakes up Monday, May 18, to drizzle, a raw 43°F, and the kind of gray sky that kills any leftover weekend mood. Steady showers are already sliding across the metro, winds are on the uptick, and the cool, wet setup means commuters should plan on slower going and slick spots on surface streets.
Afternoon Rain And Gusty North Winds
Showers are expected to become widespread through the morning and hang around into the afternoon, with highs stuck in the mid‑40s and temperatures dipping into the low 40s later in the day. North‑northeast winds of 9–15 mph with gusts up to 28 mph are in the cards, and new rainfall totals between one‑half and three‑quarters of an inch are possible, according to the National Weather Service Denver/Boulder.
Mountain Snow And Travel Hazards
Up higher, the story shifts from soggy to snowy. The higher terrain and Front Range foothills will see accumulating snow through Monday, with some east‑facing slopes north of I‑70 potentially picking up a foot or more in favored bands. Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are posted for parts of the mountains and foothills, and travel over the passes may slow down or become difficult as conditions deteriorate.
Freeze Watch Overnight
A Freeze Watch is in effect from late Monday night into Tuesday morning for the I‑25 urban corridor and the northeast plains, with lows possibly dropping near 30°F. That is cold enough to damage tender plants and above‑ground irrigation. Gardeners and homeowners will want to move potted plants inside, cover vulnerable vegetation, and disconnect hoses before midnight.
Plan Your Commute
Both the morning and afternoon commutes could be a slog. Periods of heavier rain and gusty winds can knock down visibility and leave slick patches on highways and side streets. For more background on the storm system and how Denver is gearing up for it, check out the earlier Hoodline report on the city going from patio drinks to parkas.
Looking Ahead
Showers should back off to more scattered activity Monday night, with a cool Tuesday and lingering chances for light rain before a warmer, drier pattern starts to build later in the week. Anyone planning a mountain trip should check the latest road reports and forecasts before heading out.
