Measurable snow likely to wait until December – CBS Denver

DENVER (CBS4) – A strong cold snap across Colorado Tuesday night will bring snow to parts of the state. But it’s very unlikely that Denver will see its first measurable snowfall of the season.

Before the front arrives, Tuesday will be cool and warm with temperatures returning to the 60s in the Denver metro area. Many areas of the Eastern Plains will reach the 70s, and temperatures could reach nearly 80 degrees in far southeast Colorado.

(source: CBS)

The price Colorado will pay for unreasonably warm weather is the high risk of fire. The combination of warm temperatures, low humidity, dry soil and occasional gusts of wind will push the fire risk to the same severity level as last week when the Kruger Rock Fire started near Estes Park. As a result, a Red Flag Alert has been issued through 5 p.m. Tuesday for virtually all of the I-25 corridor, excluding Greeley and southern Weld County. Regardless, if the fire starts on Tuesday, it will spread very quickly.

(source: CBS)

Upcoming Wednesday, temperatures will be 20 to 25 degrees colder with 40s high around Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins. There will also be cloudy but not much humidity.

(source: CBS)

Even in the mountains there will be scattered snowfall from Tuesday night to Wednesday night, the accumulation will generally be light. Almost all weather models agree that the heaviest snow in the state will fall in the south-central mountains including the Sangre de Cristo mountains, where there has been very little snowfall so far this season.

(source: CBS)

For the Denver metro area, there is a small chance of drizzle Tuesday night, followed by showers or very light sleet during the day Wednesday. The chance of snow accumulation below 6,000 feet is virtually nonexistent. Some areas higher than 6,000 feet, mainly in Douglas and Jefferson counties, may have at least a layer of dust. Sites with steep slopes above 7,500 feet like Bailey should be at least 1 inch with more potential.

(source: CBS)

For Thanksgiving, plan a cold start to the Turkey runs, followed by sunny and milder temperatures in the afternoon. The normal high temperature in Denver on Thanksgiving is around 49 degrees. This year will be a little warmer than usual. And 100% dry!