Colorado storm brings rain, snow and frost on Wednesday

DENVER (KDVR) — Wednesday will be Accurate Weather Alert Day for a storm expected to bring chilly weather, rain and up to six inches of snow to parts of Colorado.

While Denver won’t see any snow, commuters should watch for wet roads and residents should be prepared for chilly to below-freezing temperatures.

Timing

The storm will mostly move across the Front Range on Wednesday, but snow showers have already moved into the southwest and central mountains by Tuesday morning. The National Weather Service is tracking snow to spread into the Northeast on Tuesday, and the Pinpoint Weather team said there will be more scattered showers in the afternoon and evening.

Late Tuesday, Pinpoint Weather meteorologist Travis Michels said humidity will increase and snow will fall in the mountains near the foothills and around Interstate 70.

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By Wednesday morning, Michels said scattered showers and snow were possible across the Denver metro and Front Range, but they should ease by the afternoon and end by evening.

The Palmer watershed and foothills will have a better chance of seeing some dust accumulation Wednesday, especially above 7,000 feet, but Michels said the Palmer watershed should see only light dusting, mostly on grassy surfaces.

Some clearing may occur by Wednesday evening, with the sun’s rays hopefully drying out a few roads. Michels said precipitation and icy patches on roads will stop by midnight Wednesday.

Results

Denver will likely be snow-free except for some grass pockets to the west and south, but areas adjacent to the Palmer Divide and foothills should see some snow. Meanwhile, mountain towns should see the most snow, with some locations expected to receive up to six inches of snow.

Here are the areas with the most snow forecast as of October 29:

While snow is not expected in Denver, residents should still prepare for frigid temperatures, and communities located in higher elevations may see impacts from the snow during Wednesday’s morning commute.

What to expect

The greatest impact will be on people traveling to and from the mountains, starting in the foothills. Roads at higher elevations will be icy, and the NWS said people should be prepared for slippery conditions. As of Tuesday morning, Loveland Pass is already covered in snow. At the same time, the roads in the metro will remain wet.

If you’re heading into the high country over the next two nights, be careful, especially on minor roads, which may freeze again as the sun sets.

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While snow may not be a problem for Denver residents and the risk of icing in the metro is low, people should be prepared for cooler temperatures.

Michels said the first hard frost is expected in the metro Wednesday evening, and residents should winterize their homes by Wednesday.

Denver, Colorado Weather Resources

Be prepared for storms and forecast changes, Accurate Weather Alert Day and other important weather information:

The Pinpoint Weather team will continue to update the forecast several times a day.

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