Rockies Brace for Snow, Severe Storms as Cold Front Moves In

ROCKIES - Tonight, an upper-level low and a cold front will move into the Rocky Mountains, bringing cooler air and chances for thunderstorms and even snow across the region.

Winter weather alerts have been issued for portions of Montana and Wyoming in the higher elevations beginning tonight and lasting through Thursday night. Heavy snow is expected on north-facing slopes above 7,000 feet, where snowfall totals of 8–13 inches are possible.

Showers and snow showers have already begun in the higher elevations, and as temperatures drop tonight, snow will begin to accumulate at the highest elevations.

In addition to the snowy conditions, temperatures ahead of the system will remain warm enough to support instability and thunderstorms. Portions of the Plains are under a risk for severe thunderstorms as this cooler air mass collides with the warmer air ahead of the front. A SLIGHT (Level 2 out of 5) risk for severe thunderstorms is forecast for Colorado and surrounding states on Thursday.

Timing-wise, thunderstorms could develop as early as this afternoon across the I-25 corridor. As the front moves in and provides additional forcing, stronger storms will become possible through tomorrow.

Rainfall totals are not expected to be nearly as high as they were earlier this week, but some minor disruptions to outdoor plans during the holiday long weekend are still possible.

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