Colorado is bracing for a dangerous mix of sub-zero temperatures, strong winds and snow, just as the holiday travel season begins. Winter Weather Advisories, Winter Storm Warnings, and Wind Chill Warnings have been posted for counties across Colorado.
An arctic blast of frigid weather that arrived in the Pacific Northwest on Tuesday will slide into Colorado today, Wednesday, gripping the state in a deep freeze. Unusually warm air surged into eastern Siberia and western Alaska, forcing up typically sub-freezing temperatures in those regions.
The intensity of the blast is forecast to bring Coloradans some of the coldest temperatures in decades starting this evening.
Russell Danielson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boulder, described an “abnormally strong” pressure system is coming down to Colorado from northern Canada. On Wednesday night, Denver’s low temperature forecast is -15 degrees Fahrenheit and could only get up to -1 degree Thursday during the day before dropping back down to as low as -15 degrees again. Denver could also see 2 to 6 inches of snow Wednesday, which could lead to hazardous travel conditions for rush hour as wind blows the snow around.
Wind chills in Denver could be as low as -35 degrees. Danielson said frostbite is possible when skin is exposed to these temperatures after five to 10 minutes and encouraged anyone who does need to go outside to cover their body as much as possible with warm layers.
Anyone who plans to drive in the Denver area is encouraged to maintain a full tank of gas and to keep extra blankets in their car in case of a breakdown, as well as jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, bottled water and non-perishable snacks.
Danielson said the storm should pass through after a few days, with temperatures expected to rise back up to as high as 18 degrees Friday.
High-level wind is contributing to the situation. “We’re seeing a very, very strong jet stream, probably about 230 miles an hour, blowing from the Pacific Northwest directly towards Colorado, bringing this remarkably cold air,” said Danielson.
Lasting from Wednesday afternoon through Friday morning, the system is likely to bring the coldest air Colorado has experienced since 1990, with wind chill as cold as 60 degrees below zero across the eastern plains of Colorado, and as low as 35 degrees below zero along the Interstate 25 corridor.
Two to three inches of snow is expected along the Interstate 25 corridor and eastern plains. Colorado’s mountains can expect three to 12 inches of new snow.
Temperatures will begin to recover somewhat on Friday… and by Christmas Day, Denver’s high could reach 50 degrees.