Significant Snowfall Thursday into Friday?

Newest model guidance is lending confidence to the fact that we'll see at least some snow late Thursday into Friday of this week, and is suggesting the potential for significant accumulations, especially in Denver and points south and east.

I now believe at least a few inches of accumulation are probable, with the potential of 6" or more certainly not out of the question.

Updates to follow...

Late Week Snow?

An early heads-up that several computer models are hinting at the possibility of an accumulating snowfall for central Colorado during the late Thursday through early Saturday time period late this week.

It's far too early to know with any confidence if it snows, whether it might be heavy or not, where highest amounts will be, and even if it will be an entirely-snow event. Temperatures may be marginal at the outset.

However, I have reason to believe that at least a few inches of snow are possible by this time Friday.

Stay tuned...

>4" More Snow Will Fall from 2 Events: Friday night/Sat & Sunday night/Mon

With cold air firmly entrenched over the entire region, two separate disturbances will push through the area over the next 3-4 days, providing two chances for light accumulations of snowfall.

The first event will take place from late Friday night into mid-day Saturday, with the likelihood for 1-3" of snow.

The second disturbance will probably bring 2-4" of snow late Sunday into mid-day Monday. Because of the bitterly cold temperatures associated with, particularly this second event, the atmosphere will be efficient at wringing a decent amount of snow out of only a little moisture.

Between these two events, I think most places stand a good chance of seeing more than 4" combined...

How Much Snow Do You Think Will Fall Thursday?

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3-7" of Wind Whipped Snow Thursday Bitter Cold to Accompany and Set up Shop

We're looking at our first significant snow storm in about 3 weeks late tonight into Thursday, as temperatures drop 40+ degrees in 24 hours and wind chills by late in the day Thursday drop to the low single digits. In addition, periodic near-blizzard conditions may develop Thursday morning into the afternoon.

In addition, I have every indication that the next 10-14 days will feature much below normal temperatures across Colorado, and the potential for at least several different snow events; more snow appears likely this weekend, for instance.

I'll publish a detailed forecast later today for tomorrow's snow storm.

In the mean time, follow my latest updates here.

Another Significant Front Range Storm6-10" of Wind-Whipped Snow Likely

If you follow me on Twitter (@coloradowx or @joshlarson), the snow storm I've been advertising for several days now is nearly upon us. In many ways it will be fairly similar to last week's storm, falling almost exactly a week later and with fairly similar snow totals.

A couple main differences from last week's storm: 1) We're likely to see little in the way of distructive tree damage as most all of the leaves have now fallen and this will be a drier, lighter snow; 2) due to colder ground temperatures I expect snow from this storm will accumulate more readily on roads -- which was largely not the case last week, and will therefore make Wednesday morning's commute a rough one. 3) This system will feature more in the way of wind than last week's storm -- this will lead to reduced visibilities and the possibility of brief blizzard-like conditions, with wind gusts to 45mph possible at times.

I believe that the NWS is being a bit conservative in their current forecast for 4-8" and would not be surprised if they bump up their totals tomorrow. I believe that most places will see 6" or more inches of snow. MY FORECAST IS FOR 6-10" OF SNOW TO FALL FROM TUESDAY EVENING THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING across the Denver metro area including Boulder and Fort Collins.

I'll provide an updated forecast, along with more details and a storm time line by early afternoon on Tuesday.

Until then, stay tuned...

Significant Snowfall Likely Wednesday

1pm Sunday: The details for next week's snow storm are coming into clearer focus as we get closer and model consensus improves. I can say with high confidence that >4" of snow appears probable for the entire Denver metro area (including Boulder and Fort Collins.) Some models are even suggesting totals closer to 8 or 10", but I'm going to remain conservative for the time being.

A rain/snow mix is likely to develop late in the day Tuesday changing to all snow sometime after midnight. Moderate to heavy snow is likely much of the day Wednesday with high temperatures only in the low-to-mid 30s (after Monday's record highs near 80).

I'll have a full forecast with more details as we get closer...