DENVER — The second of three storm systems in Colorado arrives Tuesday bringing more chances at snow including the first snow in Denver.
Snow will develop in Colorado's mountains Tuesday afternoon. Travel could be difficult Tuesday into Wednesday in the mountains due to blowing snow and reduced visibility.
The cold front will swing through the Front Range and Denver metro area Tuesday night, bringing in snow and much colder temperatures on Wednesday. The foothills west of Denver will see strong 40-50 mph wind gusts Tuesday ahead of the cold front.
Snow moves into the Front Range after dark Tuesday, initially falling as rain or graupel. The heaviest snow in Colorado is likely before or at dawn Wednesday morning.
A Winter Storm Warning goes into effect overnight Tuesday through Wednesday evening for the central and eastern plains where we could see up to 8 inches of snow accumulation by Wednesday evening.
Expect winter driving conditions along Interstate 70 across the state. Snow Tuesday night will make mountain driving hazardous.
Snow across the plains overnight and Wednesday will make driving east along I-70 difficult as well. Winds gusting up to 40 mph will decrease visibility.
The highest and heaviest snow will fall west and south of Denver, where Winter Weather Advisories are in place. Light snow continues through most of the day Wednesday before a brief clearing Thursday.
Totals with the mid-week storm vary widely with the foothills west and the Palmer Divide south of Denver are predicted to get 4 inches of snow, while areas north and east of Denver, including Fort Collins and Greeley, may only see a dusting to an inch or two of snow. The Palmer Divide and south will likely get inches of snowfall as well.
After this storm moves out, there is another round of snow expected in Colorado Friday night and Saturday with more chances of snow in the Denver area.
Denver forecast
- WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy with snow likely, mainly in the morning, high 35. Mostly cloudy and cold overnight, low 25.
- THURSDAY: Partly cloudy with a chance for flurries, high 40. Cloudy overnight, low 23.
- FRIDAY: Partly to mostly cloudy with snow showers possible, mainly late, high 42. Mostly cloudy with snow likely overnight, low 24.
- SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy with morning rain or snow possible before clearing late, high 46. Partly cloudy overnight, low 29.
- SUNDAY: Partly to mostly sunny and warmer, high 58. Partly cloudy overnight, low 31.
- MONDAY: Partly to mostly sunny and warmer, high 61. Partly cloudy overnight, low 31.
