A slow-moving weather system began impacting Colorado Monday, bringing widespread showers to lower elevations and snow to the mountains. Forecasters issued a winter storm warning for the state's high country as significant snowfall accumulates through Wednesday.
Denver and the Interstate 25 corridor saw rain develop throughout Monday afternoon. This precipitation is expected to become heavier at times, particularly on Tuesday, according to the Weather Impact Team. Areas in the plains and foothills are forecast to receive between 1 to 3.5 inches of rain.
The major storm system will deliver its heaviest snow Tuesday in the mountains. Locations above 8,000 feet could see significant accumulations. Forecasts suggest mountain areas like Berthoud Pass and Eisenhower Tunnel could get 1 to 2 feet of snow by Wednesday morning.
Mountain communities in the foothills above 6,000 feet, including Nederland and Ward, may see 6-12 inches of snow. Some slushy accumulation could drop as low as the Palmer Divide Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, but impacts are expected to remain limited below 7,500 feet.
Travel conditions in the mountains will deteriorate significantly Tuesday and Wednesday. Difficult driving is likely on mountain passes due to heavy, wet snow. Drivers should monitor conditions before heading into the high country.
The days-long storm is forecast to bring cooler temperatures to the Denver area Tuesday and Wednesday. Denver's high temperature Tuesday is expected around 52 degrees, with rain being heavy at times. Wednesday will remain mostly cloudy with showers likely in the morning and a high near 56.
The system is expected to move out later Wednesday.
Warmer, drier weather is forecast to return to Colorado starting Thursday. High temperatures in Denver are expected to reach the 70s later in the week. Isolated afternoon showers remain a possibility in the mountains into the weekend as temperatures climb.
