Winter Storm Heading Toward Southern Colorado

DENVER - After unusually warm weather on Sunday with lots of sunshine statewide and afternoon temperatures in the mid 60s downtown, two storm systems moving our way will change all that overnight. Meteorologist Kathy Sabine says the first low moving storm across the southwest will track east and stay south of the forecast area. The second front moving in after midnight from the north will bring wind, colder conditions and light snow to Denver for the morning drive.


The forecast for Denver calls for 1-3'' of snow downtown during the day Monday with 3-6'' south and west of the city. The wind will pick up out of the north 10-20 mph during the day providing for a very cold and blustery day for eastern Colorado.


We are anticipating a 20-30 degree temperature drop on Monday versus the above average highs we enjoyed over the weekend. Temperatures will hold downtown in the upper 20s and could drop into the teens by the afternoon.


Blizzard conditions are likely across southeastern Colorado where travel is not advised on Monday. Across Baca and Las Animas counties including the towns of Springfield, La Junta, Lamar and Kim, these areas could see 10-20'' of snow and gusty north winds 25-35 mph sustained with gusts to over 40 mph.


Farther north, the snow looks to be much less of an issue. That means the major metro areas of Pueblo, Canon City, Colorado Springs, Woodland Park, Monument nortward to Denver will only see light snow. Right now, I am not anticipating problems in these areas. The wind and cold will be the biggest story.


Potential Snowfall Monday Afternoon - Early Tuesday Morning:


Trace to 2": Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Pueblo West, Canon City, Falcon, Ellicott, Fountain. Isolated higher totals possible close to the mountains.


1 to 4": Woodland Park, Cripple Creek, Monument, Palmer Lake, Black Forest, Calhan.


4 to 8": Beulah, Rye, Colorado City, Fowler, Walsenburg, Trinidad, La Junta, Rocky Ford, Ordway, Eads. Isolated higher totals in the higher terrain of the Wets and Sangres.


8-16": Las Animas, Lamar, Holly, Springfield, Walsh, Kim.


Any slight change in the track of the storm will have huge implications for the forecast. Please stay current with the forecast. Plus, be aware that travel will be extremely difficult in northeast New Mexico, the Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles, as well as southwest Kansas.


Tuesday will start cloudy, but should end sunny and much quieter. Temperatures will remain chilly, especially for those areas that receive significant snow.


Wednesday will be warmer, but this is ahead of another cold front that will bring much colder temperatures and some light snow for Thursday.