Cold Front Cools Southern Colorado and Delivers Rain Ahead of Weekend

A cold front is set to cross Colorado early Saturday, dropping temperatures by 10 to 15 degrees below the recent averages. The system will shift tropical moisture eastward, increasing precipitation across southern Colorado. Forecasters expect total rainfall accumulations between 0.10 and 0.75 inches across the region before conditions dry out next week.

The weather shift follows a period of warmer than usual temperatures. On Thursday evening, scattered showers affected the Pikes Peak Region, Pueblo County, and the eastern plains. Overnight lows in most of southern Colorado fell into the 40s and 50s. While conditions remained mild in the east, the San Juan Mountains and the southwestern corner of the state faced heavier rainfall. Flood watches, severe thunderstorm watches, and multiple flood warnings were active in those western areas due to risks of flooding and mudslides.

Friday offers a brief respite for some areas before the front arrives. Colorado Springs is expected to reach a high of 73 after a low of 51. Morning showers will give way to a drier afternoon with some sunshine. Pueblo will see a high of 81 and a low of 55, with on-and-off showers continuing through the evening. In Canon City, temperatures will rise to 75 from a low of 54. A temporary pause in moisture is forecast for Friday afternoon in that area, but the cold front and new moisture are scheduled to arrive Friday night.

Woodland Park will stay above seasonal averages with a high of 56 and a low of 43. Intermittent showers are expected throughout the day. The plains region will see a high of 83 and a low of 60, with only a few stray showers possible. Mountain areas will experience a high of 59 and a low of 41. Heavy rain and flood risks are expected to persist in the San Juans and western slope through Friday and into the weekend. Snow levels are likely to drop once the front passes.

The weekend will bring stronger winds and cooler temperatures. Gusts of 40 to 45 mph are expected across the area from Friday through the weekend. The cold front will bring cold rain and possibly some snow to the higher elevations. Temperatures will fall to below average levels as the system moves through. The extended outlook indicates that the region will dry out next week, with temperatures returning to seasonal norms.