Latest Denver snowfall forecast, timeline as winter storm takes aim at Colorado
DENVER — A strong storm system is approaching Colorado, triggering a winter storm watch south of Denver, bringing with it the potential for up to 4 inches of snowfall in some parts of the metro, with higher amounts expected in the south.
After an unseasonably warm Monday for the state, sunny skies and the upper 50s-60s will give way to a mix of rain and snow starting Tuesday afternoon and evening in Denver.
SNOWFALL SCHEDULE
According to the National Weather Service in Boulder, light snowfall will begin in the mountains Tuesday and move across the plains in the evening and night hours into Wednesday.
A mix of rain and snow is possible in Denver for Tuesday night’s drive home, with most of the snow moving in during the evening and nighttime hours, potentially making for a slick drive Wednesday morning.
NWS Boulder said Monday there is still uncertainty about the total amount of snowfall under this system, but accumulation of snow is likely for all areas.
Denver morning meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo7 said if the storm system moves north a few miles, it could change Denver’s snowfall forecast.
Denver7
CURRENT POTENTIAL SNOW AMOUNT
- Palm allowance: 3″-6″
- South Denver Subway: 3″-6″
- North Subway to Boulder: 2″-4″
- I-25 north to Fort Collins and Plains: lane to 3″
- Telluride: 1 to 2 feet
The winter storm watch is in effect from 5 p.m. Tuesday through at least Wednesday evening, the NWS said.
As of Monday evening, Denver is not included in the observation area, but affected areas are only to the south and include Castle Rock, LImon, Colorado Springs and Pueblo.
Heavy snowfall of up to 7 inches is possible in the guard area, with wind gusts up to 50 mph, NWS said. To view all communities in the Winter Storm Watch, click this link to read the latest alerts.
Colorado’s southern mountains could see up to a foot of snow, Hidalgo said.
As for travel conditions, the brunt of snow conditions is expected to be seen southeast of Denver along the I-70 and I-25 corridor, but that could change as the storm moves a few miles further north.
Temperatures in Denver will only hit the upper 20s on Wednesday and remain in the single digits through Thursday morning, but temperatures will recover by the end of the week.
Milder and dry conditions will arrive through Friday with a high of 51 degrees. A fine weekend is forecast with partly cloudy skies and highs in the mid to high 50’s.
“A lot can change in the next 24 hours so stay with us, we’ll be keeping a close eye on those totals,” Hidalgo said.
NWS boulder
DENVER SNOW UP THIS SEASON
Towards the middle of the month, Denver has seen just a trace of snow, compared to 15.8 inches for all of February 2022. But this season’s cumulative total, Denver has not at 36.9 inches, which is 18.9 inches ahead of last year count the month of February.
Normal snowfall for Denver is 47 inches, according to the NWS. This is for the Denver International Airport Reporting Office. NWS Boulder notes that seasonal snowfall amounts are generally higher in Denver’s western suburbs, averaging 65 inches.
Below is a detailed Denver7 360 view of a typical February in Colorado with many charts and graphs. If you’re having trouble seeing it, click this link to view it in full screen.
MORE: Closures and Delays | Last Forecast | Radars | Traffic | weather page | 24/7 weather stream
Check out 24/7 weather, radar and news updates with the free Denver7+ app on your TV.
Robert Garrison of Denver7 contributed to this report.
Denver7 weather