Colorado forecasters warn of heavy snow and rain return

Southern Colorado will experience a major shift in weather patterns this weekend as a deepening Pacific trough moves into the region. Forecasters indicate this system will bring moisture, cooler temperatures, and mountain snow from Friday through the following week.

Current conditions remain quiet under a dry westerly flow. Overnight lows are expected to drop into the 20s in high mountain valleys and the 30s to lower 40s across the plains. A low to medium chance of locally dense fog exists on the eastern plains late tonight into early Thursday morning. Isolated showers or stray storms may occur near the far southeast border by Thursday afternoon.

Specific city forecasts show mild temperatures for Thursday. Pueblo is expected to reach 65 degrees with a low of 39 and mostly clear skies. Colorado Springs will see a high of 64 and a low of 38 with partly sunny conditions. Canon City is forecast to hit 68 with a low of 40, while Woodland Park will be cooler at a high of 58 and a low of 37.

The weather pattern changes on Friday as the Pacific trough sends a surge of moisture toward western Colorado. A weak disturbance passing to the south will create a chance of showers over the far southeast plains and light showers in the mountains. By Saturday, increasing southwest flow aloft will pull moist Pacific air across the region, causing showers to build through the day over the high mountains while lower elevations stay mild.

The most impactful part of the system arrives from Sunday through Tuesday. An upper-level trough will strengthen over the Four Corners, bringing heavy mountain snow and rain to the Continental Divide and the San Luis Valley. Snow is expected to increase on Monday. A wintry mix or rain and snow showers could spread into mountain valleys and adjacent plains as temperatures drop. Windy conditions are expected on the back side of the system.

Forecasters noted additional flooding potential for the Continental Divide and the San Luis Valley. However, the forecast states the overall flooding threat remains low for this system.