More than a foot of snow has fallen in Colorado following a severe storm that saw high winds and the first freezing temperatures for much of the region.  Weather alerts have been issued across the state and people warned to remain vigilant to the quickly-changing conditions.

We just added a Tornado Watch to the long list of weather highlights in Colorado. When weather threats include tornadoes, fire weather, snow, high winds, and freezing temperatures we encourage you to stay weather aware and check the forecast often! #COwx pic.twitter.com/cUAShlh717

— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) October 12, 2021

The storm will move south through the northern plains throughout Wednesday evening, making way for a brief period of clear weather ahead of a more disruptive front on Thursday.

Thursday will see temperatures plummet as a second storm makes its way across the state from the Pacific Northwest. This front will bring with it a fresh covering of snow and below average temperatures for this time of year. Forecasters warn that the urban corridor could be affected by light snow showers on Thursday night.

As one storm moves out, another is already approaching.

This next storm will bring the coldest air of the season for many and possibly some light snow accumulation to the Urban Corridor Thursday night. pic.twitter.com/MXPuopde4l

— Rain or Shine I’m Andy Stein (@AndySteinWx) October 13, 2021

Temperatures

Although temperatures fell below freezing in some areas of the plains on Wednesday morning, much of the metro area hovered above that. However, Thursday could mark the start of the cold season for many, with areas including Palmer Divide and other Foothills locations likely to drop below freezing.

Thursday is likely to be Denver’s coldest day since May 11, when temperatures failed to rise above 43 degrees. For most in the Denver area, temperatures will not surpass 50 degrees, with the NWS in Boulder unlikely to see anything above 49 degrees. The Foothills and Palmer Divide will be even colder, with highs in the 30s and low 40s.

Temperatures are going to be running 15-20º colder than normal in Denver and the surrounding areas on Thursday. #COwx pic.twitter.com/76481Q8FGK

— Rain or Shine I’m Andy Stein (@AndySteinWx) October 13, 2021

It will be a similar story on Friday morning, with temperatures likely to drop as low as 25 degrees in the Denver area. If temperatures do not get above 28 degrees in the city then Friday will be the coldest day since April 15. Temperatures in the Foothills and Palmer Ridge regions are likely to drop into the teens and lower 20s.

Temperatures will struggle to rebound Friday, but by the afternoon forecasters say things should have warmed up a little more than they did on Thursday.

Saturday morning’s low temperature in Denver will remain around 25 degrees, with the afternoon bringing sunshine and highs of more than 60 degrees. This will bring us more in line with seasonal averages. It will be slightly colder in foothill and mountain areas, with highs in the 50s expected.

Front Range snow chance

Along with cold temperatures, the system is likely to bring excess moisture, which will begin to fall as snow in the mountains from Thursday morning. Cloud cover will build over Denver, setting the scene for light, icy rain from 1 pm.

In the foothills, including Nederland, Estes Park and Conifer, this will likely start as snow but quickly switch to rain. A similar story will unfold along the Palmer Divide, affecting areas including Castle Rock and Monument. As temperatures cool in Denver, the light rain is likely to transition into snow by early evening. This should clear by midnight.

In total, 1-3 inches is forecast to fall in the mountains, Foothills, and along the Palmer Divide, with metro areas unlikely to see more than a light dusting. In Denver, the first fall snow usually occurs around Oct. 18, so although this year is slightly earlier than average, it’s not too far off from the normal timeframe.

Looking forward to the weekend, things are looking up, with warmer highs and clearer skies. As it stands, we’re unlikely to see another round of active  weather until the middle of next week.