Bigger Storm On The Way
DENVER (CBS4) - A few storms with heavy rain and lightning around town on Tuesday night, but we're awaiting an even bigger storm to head our way starting on Wednesday.
Wednesday will be mainly dry and somewhat cooler at lower elevations including the Denver area until the afternoon and evening. The high country will see light snow during the afternoon with a couple of inches of accumulation possible. Heading into the evening in Denver, a few isolated storms are possible along with scattered rain.
A strong spring storm starts to ramp up our rain chances for eastern Colorado very early on Thursday morning. Rain is possible on and off through most of the day on Thursday, with highs dropping to the mid 40s for eastern Colorado.
Winter Storm Watches will start for the foothills and into the high country at 6:00 pm Wednesday through 6:00 pm Friday. For those areas, 1 to 3 feet of snow is possible. Winter Storm Watches are also in place for the San Juans for 10-18 inches of snow.
Winter Weather Advisories will be in place for the same time frame for many northern and central mountain areas, where 6 to 12 inches of snow are possible.
Freeze Watches for the Western Slope start Wednesday night as temperatures could drop to the upper 20s by early Thursday morning. Farmers and ranchers need to take precautions to not lose any crops. Our precious Palisade peaches are grown out west.
Here in Denver, there is a very good possibility that the rain changes over into snow late Thursday night or early Friday morning. We do expect accumulation in the metro area although the relatively warm ground makes the snow forecast complicated. At this time we expect 3-6 inches of snow in the Denver area. Again, accumulations are tough because of our warmer temperatures and this will be wet, heavy snow.
Temperatures overnight Thursday and Friday will be near freezing. If you planted your flowers and veggies on Mother's Day, you'll need to cover your plants or take them inside if you can.
The weekend will be mainly dry but it will get off a very cold start Saturday morning with temperatures near freezing once again. Highs in Denver Saturday afternoon will be near 60°. Sunday will be in the middle and upper 60s with the chance for afternoon storms.
Watch meteorologist Lauren Whitney on CBS4 News on weekday evenings at 5, 6, 6:30 and 10 p.m. Check out her bio, connect with her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter @LaurenCBS4.
