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Denver Weather: Rain Today Before Unusual Mid-May Snow Tonight

DENVER (CBS4) - Snow in the Denver metro area in May is not uncommon, but it usually happens before Mother's Day. This year will be different with a good chance of rain changing into snow Monday night.

The chance for rain along the urban corridor will get better with time on Monday. The chance will reach at least 90% during the afternoon and evening.

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It will also stay unusually cool for May 10th with high temperatures only in the 40s along the Front Range. It should be even cooler by a couple degrees on Wednesday.

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The storm responsible for the chilly and wet weather in the metro area will also bring heavier snow to the mountains starting Monday afternoon.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for all areas above 6,000 feet west of Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins through 3 p.m. Tuesday. These areas have the potential of seeing 8-16 inches of snow with the highest amounts above 7,500 feet.

Winter Storm Warning
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Travelers are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel in the high country between the foothills and Vail Pass during the warning period. Significant travel delays are likely and road closures are possible including anywhere along I-70 between Genesee and Copper Mountain.

Meanwhile, for locations below 6,000 feet including most of the Denver metro area, only 1-3 inches of snow accumulation is expected mainly after midnight Monday night. Most of the accumulation should be on the grass, rooftops, and vehicles - not on the roads in the immediate metro area.

Ashton Snow Forecast
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After the wet snow Tuesday morning, the metro area will return to a good chance for rain showers after 9 a.m. followed by gradually decreasing chances during the afternoon and evening on Tuesday.

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Mainly dry weather will return on Wednesday along with mostly sunny skies and warmer temperatures. A more significant warmup will arrive at the end of the week.

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