Snow Days Outnumbered By Sunshine
Since Colorado's active weather has shut off for the present time, we'll take a look at our next (and only) chance for moisture in the coming days. The ridge of high pressure that kept central Denver in the 50s the past two days will be replaced by a trough in the jet stream Friday night and Saturday. The forecast models aren't indicating this will be an organized low pressure system, but rather an area of lift within the atmosphere that brings rain and snow clouds.
Notice the big "U" shape in the upper level winds on Saturday morning. A disturbance passing through those upper level winds will create brief snow showers along and west of the Continental Divide. The metro area may even end up with some quick precipitation.
The most favorable locations for snow will be near the I-70 mountain corridor where a total of 1-3" could fall in total. As for Denver, the Saturday morning cold front that swings through with this system could cause a few snowflakes to develop. The best window for upslope winds and light snow will be from 10am to 3pm.
The outlook is very dry for the whole state until next Saturday, Dec.12. It's too far away to bet all our chips on a big storm, but it's the only substantial moisture-maker in our sights right now. The GFS has a nicely amplified trough digging out in the jet, while the EURO—holding off on the system until Sunday—is signaling a pattern change as well. In the meantime, enjoy the Colorado shorts and T-shirt weather in the city. It's a good time for skiing and riding groomers in the mountains for now.
Justin McHeffey provides nightly reports from the Mobile Weather Lab. He travels Colorado in search of Mother Nature's most powerful and beautiful conditions. Like his Facebook page Meteorologist Justin McHeffey and follow him on Twitter @WeatherMcHeffey.
